First Restoration

Pmackh · First Restoration

I want to restore this engine (i think its a Stuart ??). As its my first project, I could do with a little help and advice.I have chosen this one as i think it will be relatively easy.
Firstly, should i strip the whole engine in one go, or should i do it step by step
Secondly can anyone advise me as to the correct disassembly sequence ?
Thirdly, any ideas on how to get the flywheel off, there is a threaded hole where there should be a grub screw, but there doesn't appear to be a grub screw in it .
('

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Thanks,
Pat

Roly Williams

I'd strip everything in one go, it'll make the restoration easier, but make sure you keep scetches of where everything goes!

The flywheel is probably a push fit, but it may be held on by corrosion if it was originally intended to have a grub screw. In either case it should just pull off, but it might need more than hands to do it!

tmuir

Go buy yourself a parts tray with a lid from your local hardware store and put all the little bits in it as you pull it apart too.
Its very easy to drop an all important screw on the floor and it to vanish.

If you strip it right down you will need to redo the timing which can be tricky the first time you do it.
DO a bit of a search on the web for setting timing on model steam engines so you have an idea what you have to do.

I'm not sure its a Stuart either as it doesn't have a big 'S' on it but I'm not exactly a Stuart expert.

steamyjim

Tony is right, the engine is not a Stuart, i'd say it was scratchbuilt, with whoever doing it making a very nice job of it

IndianaRog

Pat, in looking at that engine, it looks to be a homebuilt version of a Stuart S-50...similar lines but at least in my eyes NOT made from Stuart castings.

If I were you, I'd take numerous digital photos from all angles BEFORE you start to strip it down, then more at each step along the way. As Tony suggested, get a tray with a good lid to hold all the bits.

Personally I would tear it down to the last screw all in one go, but be sure you have captured the images noted and transferred them to a file on your computer BEFORE going further. Bit more pain doing it this way, but I have had occasions where I take photos only to find later that somehow the images never happened. Tough to repeat when things are down to a bucket of bolts!!!

A gear puller might help with the flywheel, or maybe support it well and tap with a block of wood and small hammer around it's edges to get it to move. BUT, be sure the grub screw is actually gone or you will be fighting it too!

Good luck with it, solid looking engine, should restore beautifully.

Roger

newsteamer123

what might help with th eflywheel is to soak the rod and flywheel in transmition fluid. that stuff works wonders

Les

Take plenty of pictures as you take it apart.

igy569

I will be waiting to see that one.

Pmackh

Ok, I have the whole thing stripped down, parts all photographed, and put away safely. I have sanded down the chassis to bare metal, and so the questions begin in earnest

I can have the base powder coated by a business colleague for a nominal fee, should i do this, or should i spray it myself? (its not about the money - honestly ! I just want to do it right.) If I spray it myself, can anyone give me advise on the correct procedure? (i.e. what primer to use, and how to apply the paint.)

Next Question: The cylinders and inlet manifold gaskets are ruined. Do I have to make new ones or is there a sort of "gasket shop" where I can buy "stock" gaskets?

Anybody ?

tmuir

robertosala

I will also wait to see those pictures after finish it.

Wish you the best on your restoration.

Rob.

Kaleb

I usually make gaskets from old tire tubes. They work great.