steam oil amount for a two cylinder engine with bore 42 mm /60mm stroke

Hello all,

I have a simple question, when is the amount of oil enough for the lubrication of a 2 cylinder engine.

There are some indications I know by experience of my 5 inch steam locomotives. I recognize if there is over the day at the chimney a lubrication and then the loco runs good. That equals about in 3 km distance the oiler have to refilled. With this amount the locos runs good. On my merrywheather fireking i changed the amount of oil, the engine runs better now, but I have the feeling it could have more oil. Is there any rule of thumb or only try and error possible

best regards

Werner

It is pretty crude but we just go on the look and feel of the inside of the chimney after running our locos for 10 minutes or so. After swiping my finger inside, I want to see and feel a greasy deposit. If too dry and grey looking, I conclude under oiling. If spewing oil all over the engine and the chimney inside is really wet looking, it is over oiling. Also the rate at which the lubricator tank goes down is a guide. I have no experience of TEs or fire engines but plenty on this forum do. Their long chimneys might confuse matters somewhat.

Hello Simon,

many thanks for your reply. I interpret your answer that all is made by experience with simply controling how is the oily surface in the chimney. That is nearly the same what i have done . It seems that i have to live with this kind of procedure.

best regards

Werner

Hello Simon,

I made after the last run the experience that in the chimney near the top there is inside a greasy film like coal tar.

The engine runs good now.

Werner