Stuart S-50 Cylinder Drain Cocks

[Korben]

Looking around the internet, I notice that some S-50 stationery mill engines are fitted with cylinder drain cocks, but most, including mine, are not. If I want to run it on steam, would I be advised to disassemble the engine and install them or would it be more trouble than it's worth?

If I don't install drain cocks, would measures like lagging the steam pipe help reduce the condensate that forms in the cylinders on start-up?

Thanks,
Korben

 

[Charles Lamont]

On a model slide-valve engine like this drain cocks are not necessary, but an additional 'feature'. Lagging is always a good idea.

 

[Mechanicboy]

On a model slide-valve engine like this drain cocks are not necessary, but an additional 'feature'. Lagging is always a good idea.

Necessary to use drain cock due the cold cylinder will condensate steam to water and make trouble.

Open the drain cocks and let steam warm up cylinder until all water is disappeared where steam is continous blowing out of drain cocks. Close drain cocks and start up steam engine (twin double acting steam engine to example Stuart D10 will self starting when drain cocks is closed).

After use, keep drain cocks open to ventilate cylinder against moisture and rust. Use conserving oil into crain cocks to spread overall inside cylinder.

 

[kvom]

With a slide valve engine you have a greater safety factor on steam condensation since water forced up the exhaust can lift the valve if there is a lot. With a small engine like this the necessity for cylinder cocks is minimal, but on the other hand there's nothing wrong with having them. And as Jens says, they do aid drying out after running if left open.

Piston valve engines should have cocks since the valve can't move if there's too much water forced into the steam chest.

 

[Korben]

All makes sense to me. Thanks for the good information.

Korben