jjym
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Fleischmann Sight Glass ConundrumHi everybody! I'm just new here and I hope this is the right place for this topic. If not, let me know. Anyways, I just bought a Fleischmann engine but the glass says that it's full all of the time. It is one of those tube tyoe ones that I assume is horseshoe shaped. I can tilt the boiler and see the meniscus go up and down as if it were working properly. If there's no water in the boiler then there's no water in the sight tube. If the boiler is only 1/4 full or even less then the glass shows completely full until I tilt it back. When level again, it goes back to completely full. I can see some very small white and black sediment sometimes too in the glass. Is the glass easily removed? I tried but I don't want to break it by applying too much pressure. Thank you for your time everybody!
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Graham-Jilly
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sounds like there is a partial blockage of built up calcium. run the engine with a mixture of white vinigar and water but be warned it stinks like hell but will clear the calcium buildup.
 to the forum 
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Les
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Hello and welcome to the forum,
I would try de-scaling the boiler and glass before you take the glass out. It sounds as if it is semi-blocked.
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johnreid
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Graham and Les give good advice
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metalhead100
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Sounds like maybe the upper end is clogged....and won't let it burp ect....
One leg of the two is blocked as the guys already said.....
Jim
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jjym
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Thanks for the tips folks! I will try the vinegar and water. I assume 50/50 mixture? Will let you know how it goes.
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Lozza1
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Welcome to the Forum Jjym
You might like to check the safety valve and whistle (if it has one) for calcium too. Running the above mixture will probably clear the safety valve but you might need to drop the whistle in a cup with a bit of vinegar for half an hour. See how you go.
Oh, just a tip Jjym we all enjoy seeing a picture, or two, of a nice steam engine  
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BK
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Welcome to the forum.
You are right about the glass, it does snap easily, one of mine broke just tightening the screws.
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Les
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If you can post some pictures we will be able to identify which model number it is.
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Bugsy
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Welcome to the forum, jjym!
Hope you enjoy your new hobby!
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jjym
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Wow!What a welcome! It's almost overwhelming! People with this hobby have got to be the most pleasant and kind people on Earth! Thank you all so very much for your support! I will post some pictures when I can but it's off to work for me right now. Aww, I've got to leave so early and away from my little machine! I will be receiving a Jensen 75 sometime today too! Yay! We'll see you all soon, bye!
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Dr. Rog
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| Graham-Jilly wrote: | sounds like there is a partial blockage of built up calcium. run the engine with a mixture of white vinigar and water but be warned it stinks like hell but will clear the calcium buildup.
to the forum |
Obviously the stink is more fun but there is no need to boil the vinegar. It works at room temperature. It is certainly useful to drop the bits in a cup.
If not boiling remember to fill the boiler to the top and leave for several hours or overnight. Keep trying it should work eventualy.
Use distilled or rainwater if you are in a hardwater area.
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Atticman
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I agree, no need to boil it, and certainly its something I wont be eager to do again. It frothed andbubbled, and the Mamo SE3 hasnt ever gone as fast since 
I wouldnt dilute the vinegar, just pour it in, but dont get it on the blued boilers, I think it makes bit of a mess of them as well as Nickelled fittings.
It does work really well, and I agree it sounds like its blocked.
Oh and welcome to the forum.
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