Trouble-shooting a new Stirling

[Stirlingking]

Right now I’m trying to understand the theory of how these engines work because my motor runs in the opposite direction that I think it should run.

Hello Harry, just remember the displacer piston leads the power piston by 90° to 110°. That will determine the direction it runs. Your engine is fixed at 90° since it is of the Ryder type configuration and with a single crank pin.
I forgot to mention your glass displacer cylinder doesn't have the heat transfer properties of metal and could possibly be a small part of any sluggishness.
I think if you could increase the displacement of the displacer somehow, you would be pleased with the results.

- Ted

 

[Harry Mueller]

Sluggishness is not the problem; non-performance is. I had it more or less running as evidenced in the above video, when many of the parameters were less exacting than they are now. I am totally perplexed.

The power piston fit seems great and if I plug the transfer hole and pull it out quickly it emits a loud “pop”. If I blow into the transfer hole the piston shoots out.

Conversely, blowing into the displacer cylinder does nothing, as expected. I removed the cylinder tube and I could blow through the hole easily.

I think I’m going to eat some worms.

Harry