Goliath Help (Mamod)

chrisy_m_uk · Goliath Help (Mamod)

Hi Guys,

I recently bought a Goliath (http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/mamod_goliath_te1a.htm) from Forest Classics and have a few queries about operation. First when she's steamed up she leaks quite a bit of oil/water from the piston casing - is this normal or should I get worried about it? Also when I oiled the piston as the user instructions said I ended up with oil in the boiler (I can see it on the sight glass) is this anything to worry about and if so what should I do!

And a final(!) should I be doing anything to remove the oil from the boiler that's gotten in there. I wasn't sure if a lemon juice/water mix as I first flushed it with would be a good idea or not or whether I'm being overly worried.

Thanks a lot, I love the engine and don't want to do anything to mess it up!

rangerssteamtoys

Well this is a good place for questions and we can probably help. Welcome CMU ( your initials).

I would flush out the boiler with soap and water because the soap wil get rid of the oil in there. You dont want oil in the boiler because it can clog up pipes and ruin the engine. So yes flush the boiler out and see what happens.

I'm sure other members will have different oppinions

Cranko

Welcome from New zealand

James

Welcome to the forum family! You're in the right place

H2o vapour · Welcome!!

Welcome!!

Hi, not able to answer your question as I do not have one of these engines.

Would say are you using good quality steam oil, as I have found that using Steam oil makes a huge difference.

My question to you is How does the engine run generally?

I fancy one of these!

Regards

H20

steamyjim

Welcome to the forums.

Id flush the boiler with soapy water.

I like the Goliath engines, good engines

Mamodman123 · Re: Goliath Help (Mamod)

IndianaRog

Welcome Chrisy...your questions on the Goliath might challenge many of us as it is a new design and I "think" you are the first to own one. One thing that helps immensly in diagnosing problems is if you can get good close up pictures to share. There is a thread re: frequently asked questions...go there for instructions on how to use Photobucket service (free) to post pictures and videos. It is very easy to use and works well with this forum design.

All I can add at this point would be to clean out oil from the boiler, hot water and detergent (like dish detergent)...because it will help break down the oil. Several dosings of that and then ample flushing with distilled water should take care of whatever got in there.

Otherwise, are oil leaks coming from gaskets or generally just being flung around by shaft to piston and slide valve???

Again, welcome to the forum...just one more question...is Chrisy a guy or a gal...before we assume one way or the other???

cheers,
Roger

syrtismajor

Welcome to the forums!
If you want you Goliath fixed, just send it to me and I'll have a look. If I can't get the oil out of it I'll just keep it so you don't have to worry about it

Seriously though, sounds a bit strange that oil got into the boiler from the lubricator! Did that happen when operating or when cooling down?

I don't own any of the Mamod valve engines so I can't be of any help, but Wyvern is the one you're after since I think he was the first to own one. Sure he'll be about soon!

tmuir

I don't own one of these new models but once you have run the engine, release all pressure from the boiler by operating the whistle and then with gloves on undo the safety valve, if you don't do this as it cools the steam will condense and contract and could suck whats in the cylinder back into the boiler. This is probably how you got oil into the boiler.

And WELCOME to the forum.

wyvern

Finally some one else has bought a goliath, praise the lord

(I have one too)

Leaking water from the piston casing:

Is this around the regulator handle? in which case unfortunately this is due to the design and perfectly normal. However I modified mine to seal better (put a form of sealant around the regulator shaft).

Or Is this condensate from the exhaust port?, in which case this is perfectly normal. When it builds up steam due to the fact that the regulator lever is a loose fit steam mixes with the lubricant in the lubricator and this mixture has to be exhausted through the exhaust port. you have to be gentle in turning over at this point as it can hydraulic.

When I got mine I did flush the boiler out and also experienced the oil in the boiler as you have. Asking tech advice at mamod they were mistified. Basically I think this is oil from the lubricator being forced back down the steam pipe into the boiler. I think flushing the boiler out would be a good idea. When I first had it I did this, I imagine most members would advise fill it with warm soapy water a few times and suck the mix out with a syringe. I actually removed the sight glass but I couldn't advise you to do this.

Incidentally my model leaked ALOT from the regulator handle and so It was sent back to mamod to be "fixed" and they just fitted a new reg block which didn't leak as much.

I hope you enjoy your engine they are great when they get going. Unfortunately the regulator block is their weakness in terms of design. I intend to replace the reg block with one of my own desgn when I return to my engineering classes and link this lo the boiler with a ip engineering regulator and also fit a steam pipe to the piston block to send the steam up the chimney.

Any more problems don't hesitate to ask. Oh yes an welcome to the group

Badger

Hi there and welcome - I have a Goliath from Forrest Classics and they are a great engine! I can't say I have had any problems with leaks from the piston/slide valve block apart from the occasional weeping (the engine, not me!) around the regulator if it is at full steam and you close the regulator. I think that would be normal. My regulator has an O Ring fitted under the circlip which holds the regulator in place - my engine number is 29 so I'd say these were fitted from early on if not the beginning. If its leaking a lot from there I'd suspect a problem and return it. You do of course get the exhaust oil/steam mess coming out of the exhaust port on the bottom of the block which is normal. If you have a pic or video I could compare it to mine. Can't say I've had the oil in the boiler problem, but as the others say, the soapy water flush out should do it. I always suck out the boiler contents with a syringe after steaming and remove the lubricator cap and suck out the small amount of water that collects in there. Goes bloody well though eh!!!

oldstuff

Hi Chrisy and welcome!

I just viewed the Goliath with your link. What a nice engine!
One of only a hundred makes it a nice investment, as well!

How on earth does it work? I don't see any linkage to move the valve?

Spinning the flywheel this way and that, before the engine's ready to start,
could "pump" or cause a suction of oil from the resevoir into the boiler.

I accidently ran an engine of mine with soapy water in the boiler once.
A weird and challenging experience until I figured out what was wrong.

I wonder how your lemon juice trick would work?

Goliath Help (Mamod)

Welcome!!

Re: Goliath Help (Mamod)