If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Polish 3 Cylinder Steam Air Compressors Technical Data

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by PolSteam, Feb 2, 2015.

Page 2 of 2
  1. Azrall

    Azrall Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2013
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    491
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Commercial Manager
    Location:
    Swindon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    In what context? What does it do as a function? Or what does it do when we try to operate it? ;)
     
    Azrall, Apr 22, 2015
    #21
  2. PolSteam

    PolSteam Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2015
    Messages:
    529
    Likes Received:
    131
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired, owner of Wickham type 17a TP57P
    Location:
    Fleet, Hampshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    what does it do when we try to operate it? ;)
     
    PolSteam, Apr 22, 2015
    #22
  3. Azrall

    Azrall Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2013
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    491
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Commercial Manager
    Location:
    Swindon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Nothing. The steam supply is still connected, but once turned on, nothing happens, no movement etc. initial thoughts, without taking it apart is that perhaps there are some seals in there that may have gone. Not a huge worry at this time as we won't be looking into repairing it until her overall in a few years :)
     
    Azrall, Apr 22, 2015
    #23
  4. PolSteam

    PolSteam Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2015
    Messages:
    529
    Likes Received:
    131
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired, owner of Wickham type 17a TP57P
    Location:
    Fleet, Hampshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Try taking out the steam piston valve, on the top of the compressor, and clean it. I know, it's the number one reason why compressors stop working.

    They get stuck up with muck, and I know crews tap the steam cylinder with hammers to get pumps going again! Sometimes the oil pumps run out of oil, which makes the pumps seize. The oil pumps do not last a working day, depending on how they are regulated. Most oil pumps oil too much, and will run dry in 4 to 6 hours. So, they need a top up at lunch time. :)

    If the pump runs, but will not idle, when you have full air pressure, it's the steam/air regulator, which is mounted near the compressor. It has a spring steel diaphragm inside, which when the air pressure reaches the full working pressure, restricts the steam to the compressor, making it just tick over.
     
    PolSteam, Apr 23, 2015
    #24
  5. PolSteam

    PolSteam Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2015
    Messages:
    529
    Likes Received:
    131
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired, owner of Wickham type 17a TP57P
    Location:
    Fleet, Hampshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    PolSteam, Apr 23, 2015
    #25
Page 2 of 2

Share This Page