The Steamboating Forum

One of the problems I have with my engine is disassembly. At this stage why couldn't one thread the cover plate [head and steam chest] with a small 1/4" bolt and wind it in to disassemble? Now I tap a small slot screwdriver between the two ,destroying the gasket and marking things up! This sounds like a better way! Any thoughts? Den

Make it two tapped holes opposite each other so that you can push it apart more evenly.

Hi Den,

That should work just fine. Still may lose the gasket though.

What I've started doing is rubbing a thin layer of anti-seize compound to one side of the gasket. So far, so good, they all come apart easily now and the gasket is still serviceable. As hot as these engines and pumps get, the adhesive in the gasket material sticks really well, the anti-seize stops that.

-Ron

Now that I think of it, my engine doesn't have any gaskets. Just a coating of anti seize on the various mating surfaces. No leaks.

It still can be a struggle to get things apart so I think I will add a few tapped holes for disassembly the next time I'm in there.

Bin using neverseize for years! Like don't leave home without it!

farmerden wrote:Bin using neverseize for years! Like don't leave home without it!

Ayep!

Give all mating surfaces (including threads on bolts!) a light coat of never seize. Give the "cover", "plate", "head", whatever, a light tap on the edge to "break the bond" and it falls apart. I've heard stories from mechanics who work on machinery in the woods, grease all the threaded parts with never seize before reassembly, and several years later when they're up to their xxx in mud the nuts "spin" off at the touch of a wrench.

Just one photo today. I finished both steam chest covers. What information could or should be put on the raised pads on the covers? I was thinking on one could be M-TWIN and on the other 3+3x4 .

All opinions welcome.


Until next time........

Frank

*Built by . . .
Date . . *

Two quick photos tonight. I had a few free hours this afternoon and set the cylinder,chest and cover assembly up on the mill to finish the top of even.


Grizzly Industrial is closing it's Muncy PA facility at the end of October so I went up and picked up an 18"x24"x3" no ledge granite surface plate. Muncy is only 13 miles from me I an going to miss being able to "run" and pick up that little Item you need to get the job done. I would love to pick up a milling machine but just can't do it right now.


Until next time Frank

I would love to pick up a milling machine but just can't do it right now.

I've never been able to pick up a real one; those things are heavy!

Seriously, nice score on the surface plate. Now for a dial height gage...

- Bart