Gaskets

I have just finished my casting for my 4" DNY traction engine. I have all the studs tapped and have now turned my attention to fitting the casting to the boiler pad.

I have some 1/32 gasket material and wondered? Do i make a full gasket or one that is an inch or so in from the edges.

Do you then put some gasket sealer on it or leave it dry. I have a good fit so maybe the gasket will squash down and seal?

Your thoughts please.

Bri

No experts on this subject then??

Bri,

I'd make sure first of all that the gasket material you have is correct for steam. Check with a company such as Heritage Steam Supplies; they specialise in this field and will advise you what is the best material for the job. Personally I can't see any harm in a soft gasket in this application but I would ask and be guided by the experts. They use soft gaskets around the top and bottom of Sentinel boilers and they operate at a far higher pressure than you will be concerned with.

I would use a graphite jointing compound such as Foliac (made by Rocol); smear it on both sides of the gasket. Personally I'd stear clear of Stag or Manganese paste, it sets like concrete whereas Foliac is fairly easily removed if you ever have to remake the joint.

Knock out the bolt/stud holes in the gasket before you knock or cut the edges to size; if you do it the other way round you may break the gasket.

Hope this helps.

John.