Water gauge problems

hi dave,

do try the regulator gland drip test when you next get a chance.

i would suggest that when the regulator gland starts to drip and you have just over half a glass in the water gauge, that looks to be about the very maximum you would want to fill the boiler anyway. firstly you need steam space above, and secondly (as LBSC used to say using a pan of water on the stove analogy) the less water you have in the boiler the better will be the steam production.

the top of your glass is far too high. this is a problem sometimes with elbows for the top fitting on the boiler.

please always blow the boiler down after each steam up.

cheers,

julian

I have twice tried to add another post , without success.

Here goes again: First, thanks for your latest posts. I will try out your suggestions ASAP, but I expect this will now be after Christmas, and when some dry weather occurs! Julian, do you think I need to have more Sodium Hydroxide boiler cleaning attempts?

hi dave,

difficult to know without examining the loco myself. one dose should be enough. the only sure fire method is to add some hot water to the boiler, jiggle it about, and then unscrew the whole of the blowdown fitting in a good light and catch what comes out (and inspect same) and then inspect what crud may be around the blowdown boiler bush on the inside. i would try the regulator gland test first, as best not to disturb boiler fittings if at all possible.

cheers,

julian

Thanks Julian.

When I have some suitable weather, I will have do as you suggest. That may be some time if recent forecasts atre to be believed......

Thanks again,

Dave

Success at last!

I have sleeved the water gauge feed 'tubes' to the boiler down to match the glass bore, which I know is contrary to what you said, Julian, but it has done the job.

I had a steam up this morning, which was completely successful, the level being controllable throughout, with no problems at all.

So my thanks to you all for your kindly contributions, particularly about cleaning the boiler with the drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide) from Wilco.

Happy steaming,

Dave.

hi dave,

glad to hear that the problem is solved, though not quite sure why!

i didnt state that the passageways must be bigger than the bore of the glass only that the bottom fitting shouldnt be less and the top passageway can be a bit smaller than the bottom.

hope you enjoy lots of successful steam ups from now on!

cheers,

julian