Mamod Minor problems

tcavanagh · Mamod Minor problems

Hi all

Just purchased a Mamod Minor engine which I’m not sure if it’s running correctly. It starts and runs at a fair old speed but then it slows down and stops, it seems as though it’s run out of steam, give it a few moments and off it goes again. It is oiled, correct water level and one whole fuel tablet cut in two.
Any ideas

Thanks

Tom

old_timer

Hi Tom, and let me be the first to welcome you to freesteam.

The problem you describe is not that uncommon and could be due to a few factors.

Probably the main reason is that if the engine is allowed to run without load (and because there is no speed control on the smaller mamods) then the engine runs at maximum speed - sometimes unrealistically so but that's part of their charm. However this also means that they use up a huge amount of steam and so pressure reduces - hence the slower or even halted engine whilst presure is allowed to rebuild.
By applying some form of load (i.e. some work for the engine to do, such as a mamod tool to drive), the engine will operate at a more realistic speed and consume less steam and so should run continuously until the fuel is spent.

The only way to allow the engine to run at maximum, unhindered speed continuously would be to produce steam quicker - not recommended as you'd then be in danger of running the boiler dry

A couple of other factors of less significance could be that if the engine is new (or old/corroded) it will run better once run-in and also the use of solid fuel possibly doesn't help. Sorry that's the old traditionalist in me, but I find liquid meths burns more evenly than the new style solid fuel, which seems to have an initial flare up and then go out with a whimper.

As I said, these secondary factors may have little or no actual significance.

In summary, I suspect your engine is running as it should be - if only a little fast if you're not applying any load to restrict the speed. Smile

Spokesmann

Welcome to Freesteam, Tom.

OT has covered most of the points. Worth checking that the steam pipe is not blocked . . . ie take off the cylinder/piston assembly and run a small length of fine wire through just to make sure.

Always make sure the engine get plenty of lubrication before and during a run . . .

I look forward to seeing some pictures . . .

Mike
Administrator.

avenger

Welcome from another Westie

tcavanagh

Thanks for the advice, tips and the warm welcome.

Tom

John Chapman

Welcome aboard Tom.

joiner

Welcome to the Forum

Mamod Collector

Welcome to the Forum Tom, can you post a pic of your engine