TVR1ABB Problem Help please

[Corrado Ballardin 2Participant @corradoballardin2]

Hello Gentlemen,

I have been running my TVR1 steam engine for a year now with no problems…but…lately it will run for about a minute until it warms up & then gradually but surely slows down & comes to a clacky stop.

I tried a different boiler…same thing. I changed the piping….same thing.

What's happened to this engine?

Cheers …..Corrado.

[Corrado Ballardin 2Participant @corradoballardin2]

[lnvisiblemanParticipant @lnvisibleman]

As a steam modeller myself, it sounds to me very much like a shortage of oil. The first thing I would do is to remove the lubricator and check for blockages in the ports. Make sure that everything else is well lubricated as dry surfaces will soon expand and seize. I had a similar problem with an engine and after cleaning thoroughly, I ran it in an oil bath for a couple of hours. That solved the problem completely.

[Corrado Ballardin 2Participant @corradoballardin2]

Thanks Invisibleman…..it's getting plenty oil as the Lubricator I use shows. I suspect the steam is condensing down the line & turning to water which then clogs the engine. If so, apart from lagging the steam pipe how do you stop this?

[Andy StonemanParticipant @andystoneman15177]

Something is a bit tight somewhere, I`m assuming that you have oiled the bearings elsewhere this could be what`s causing your engine to slow down after such a short run. If it wasn't warmed up properly then I doubt if it would run for a minute then stop. You mentioned lagging the steam pipe to prevent condensation, It helps a lot, Try if possible shortening the steam pipe as long runs of pipe at a low saturated pressure can cause condensation in the steam pipe.

Andy

[Corrado Ballardin 2Participant @corradoballardin2]

Well I shelved the engine for 4 years & against my instincts pulled the engine apart to investigate.

On the TVR1a engines the slide valve is pushed by a small brass ferrule which is pressed on to the valve rod.

On other engines this is threaded on which is handy for adjusting.

This ferrule had worked loose & so the valve was out of timing.

I contacted Robert Graham the manufacturer & asked if I could buy a new valve rod. I gave him my relevant details & he sent me 2 of them ….FREE!

I fitted the new item & the engine ran perfectly.

I must pass on my thanks & gratitude to Graham …..he went beyond any expectation of customer service.

Corrado Ballardin.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Corrado . Pleased that you problem has been solved, and the supplier provided such good after sales service.

Thanks for letting us know the outcome of your woes. So often people have problems but after advice from the forum we never hear from them again

Ashley

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

That brass ferrule is actually glued, rather than pressed, to the shaft but the glue can sometimes not be as secure as it should be. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the excess glue from around the edge of the ferrule.

My couple of dealings with Graham industries have been very positive and their after sales service is superb. Glad you got the engine working, it really is a beautiful little engine and very efficient on steam.

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