The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum

PCLR · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:51 pm Post subject: Mamod SL1 help

hi all when i was 6 i brought a sl1for 60 pounds in mini condintioni am now 15 it also came with a full set of track and wagon today i thought i would steam it for the first time i have had mamods in the past .

But this one just didn't what to run even with a meths burner also a upgrade saftey valve and water top up it would run for a miniutes or so then stop even with the safty lifting
can any one help it has got a little lime in the boiler i have drip feed steam oil down the steam pipe it also turn and rolles very easly

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keeping steam alive if it's a little smaller

Roly Williams · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject:

There's two potential problems here. Firstly. if there's lime-scale in the boiler, that needs to be cleaned out with vinegar. Secondly, if this is the first time it's been steamed in nearly a decade, it could just need running in. I bet the performance improves every time you run it.
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Roly Williams

"God is not dead - he is alive and well and working on a much less ambitious project" (MRFS)

PCLR · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 6:16 pm Post subject:

is it worth washing the steam vavle thing out and lapping the cylenders
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keeping steam alive if it's a little smaller

Rob · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:02 pm Post subject:

i had, and still have problems with one of my loco's, i now have 6 and they all run well apart from one.

it sounds like a blockage in the steam line, but there may be other problems:

firstly, it needs running in, lubricate the reversing valve and cylinders, on the port faces and piston rods with steam oil, dont use any other oil as it will damage the parts when hot.

secondly, it could be something blocking the steam line as i first thought, from the boiler, in the reversing block or in the cylinders.

i had to strip mine down, check all the bits and re-assemble.

thirdly, there could be a steam leak from somewhere. i resorted to soldering in the steam pipe into the reversing block.
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johnreid · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:35 pm Post subject:

I would flush it out with vinegar water and po;ish and lap the port faces, Scroll down to the Loco Tune up on this page for some minimal instructions
http://johnreid.webs.com/operatingaidsandtips.htm
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PCLR · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:53 pm Post subject:

i have pulled the loco ready for lapping i am also wash the boiler in and out
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keeping steam alive if it's a little smaller

alan2525 · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:01 pm Post subject:

When it comes to lapping the surfaces on the cylinder and port block, it's important to get the items flat, but they don't really need an absolutely polished surface, 1200 wet and dry will probably suffice. If you finish the lapping by sliding the part across the paper you will get a fine cross hatched finish which will help to hold a layer of steam oil in between the mating surfaces, creating a slick and steam tight fit.
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Minor1PJG · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:23 pm Post subject:

I had similar problems and mine really only needed running in on blocks.

I probably ran it at least 10 times with lots of oil and now it is a very strong runner

Good luck
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PCLR · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject:

IT WORKS my saftey value was at fault it did not reseat so steam was leaking out it has use ran an solit fuel of 15 mins straite with steam to spare i think i am going to go gas fired as my other 3 loco are so it saves having to carrie around tons of meths thanks for any body help it has been to great use thanks again
Michael
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keeping steam alive if it's a little smaller