5″ gauge ‘Metre Maid’ cylinder piston stiff

This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 19 August 2019 at 20:18 by tom_tom_go.

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

Author

Posts
18 August 2019 at 15:31 #424876
tom_tom_go
Participant
@tom_tom_go
Hi,

I have recently purchased an unfinished Metre Maid (never steamed but hydraulic test passed) as my first 5" gauge loco and have identified that one of the cylinder pistons is stiff.

I have discovered that the piston will move freely when the con rod is disconnected, however, when the slide bar bolts are tightened up the piston movement stiffens.

If the bolts securing the slide bar are loose then the piston does move but it's not as smooth as with the bar completely removed.

I would be grateful if anyone could advise on further fault finding ideas as I can't seem to get a smooth setup.

Cheers,

Tom
Advert

18 August 2019 at 15:31 #1852
tom_tom_go
Participant
@tom_tom_go
18 August 2019 at 15:46 #424878
Clive Brown 1
Participant
@clivebrown1
Perhaps the slide-bar is not exactly parallel to, or the wrong dimension from, the cylinder centre-line. That could be adjusted by appropriate shimming.
18 August 2019 at 15:56 #424881
tom_tom_go
Participant
@tom_tom_go
Thanks for the prompt response.

I have tried placing various thickness of metal from a feeler gauge under the bar at the cylinder end but when I tighten the bolt the piston is hard to move.

Lossening the crosshead seems to help so I am wondering if the motion plate needs filing?

The chassis roles freely and the other piston is easy to pump so the issue is definitely with this side of the loco.
19 August 2019 at 20:18 #425083
tom_tom_go
Participant
@tom_tom_go
I would like to remove the piston to inspect it to make sure the rod is not bent, however, despite removing the bolts securing the cylinder covers they are rock solid.

Do I have to damage the gaskets to prise them off?
Author

Posts

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

Please log in to reply to this topic. Registering is free and easy using the links on the menu at the top of this page.

Advert

Latest Replies

Viewing 25 topics - 1 through 25 (of 25 total)

- Topic
- Voices
- Posts
- Last Post
- New to me Denbigh Power Hacksaw
  Started by: southernchap in: Manual machine tools
- 4
- 6
- 29 June 2026 at 01:36
  peak4
- LINKS FOR WORKSHOP AND MODEL ENGINEERING STLs AND OTHER FILES
  Started by: Neil Wyatt in: 3D Printers and 3D Printing
- 7
- 8
- 29 June 2026 at 00:37
  John Purdy
- Drawer Front Attachment
  Started by: Clive Brown 1 in: The Tea Room
- 7
- 10
- 28 June 2026 at 23:38
  Philrob27
- Surface grinders choice
  Started by: greenhills in: Workshop Tools and Tooling
- 14
- 14
- 28 June 2026 at 22:42
  Chris Crew
- Running 380V 3-phase motor on 230V 1-phase 1 2 3
  Started by: jimalm in: Electronics in the Workshop
- 17
- 57
- 28 June 2026 at 21:57
  duncan webster 1
- 1″ Minnie Traction Engine
  Started by: Geoff the bloke in: Beginners questions
- 4
- 11
- 28 June 2026 at 18:48
  JasonB
- My Minnie 1 2
  Started by: Nick Welburn in: Work In Progress and completed items
- 8
- 36
- 28 June 2026 at 17:32
  Nick Welburn
- Taylor Hobson’Trutaper’ mystery solved [?]
  Started by: Michael Gilligan in: Workshop Tools and Tooling
- 3
- 5
- 28 June 2026 at 13:53
  Michael Gilligan
- digital microscope for poor eyesight
  Started by: bernard towers in: Electronics in the Workshop
- 14
- 24
- 28 June 2026 at 11:32
  jaCK Hobson
- Coventry Diehead CH Reassembly
  Started by: Tony Ray in: Workshop Tools and Tooling
- 2
- 2
- 28 June 2026 at 10:59
  bernard towers
- Hereward
  Started by: Richard Simpson in: Model Boats
- 11
- 16
- 28 June 2026 at 10:30
  Mike Hurley
- Using VFDs on old motors
  Started by: Andrew Skinner in: Electronics in the Workshop
- 11
- 20
- 28 June 2026 at 09:21
  Pete Rimmer
- Introducing myself
  Started by: anoddcog in: Introduce Yourself – New members start here!
- 6
- 7
- 28 June 2026 at 08:30
  timmers 875
- 3 1/2″ Gauge Discussion Group 1 2 3
  Started by: Neil Wyatt in: General Questions
- 39
- 73
- 27 June 2026 at 20:08
  Paul McDonough
- Neutralising Bakers No. 3 fluid
  Started by: Pippin in: General Questions
- 5
- 6
- 27 June 2026 at 18:27
  Pippin
- My week this week! My workshop videos 1 2 … 12 13
  Started by: Phil Whitley in: The Tea Room
- 16
- 323
- 27 June 2026 at 16:09
  Phil Whitley
- Unusual opto fork setup
  Started by: Roger Hart in: Electronics in the Workshop
- 3
- 3
- 27 June 2026 at 16:05
  SillyOldDuffer
- ML7 help please!
  Started by: myfordmikeml7 in: General Questions
- 8
- 9
- 27 June 2026 at 15:40
  jamessm34
- Price of A Mk2 Clarkson cutter grinder.
  Started by: Andrew Tinsley in: General Questions
- 6
- 6
- 27 June 2026 at 14:57
  jamessm34
- Oiling Lathe Ways
  Started by: Blue Heeler in: Beginners questions
- 10
- 11
- 27 June 2026 at 13:26
  Dell
- Traction Engine Metal Colours
  Started by: Dr_GMJN in: General Questions
- 4
- 5
- 27 June 2026 at 13:00
  Dr_GMJN
- Testing Single Point Thread Fitment 1 2
  Started by: berwick in: Beginners questions
- 16
- 28
- 27 June 2026 at 11:15
  alecs
- Myford VMC Spindle Advice Please. 1 2
  Started by: Nigel Graham 2 in: Manual machine tools
- 10
- 32
- 27 June 2026 at 10:15
  Graham Meek
- Solar panel
  Started by: duncan webster 1 in: Electronics in the Workshop
- 11
- 19
- 26 June 2026 at 23:03
  Mark Rand
- Identifying the pitch of threading inserts
  Started by: Bill Phinn in: Workshop Tools and Tooling
- 5
- 11
- 26 June 2026 at 20:55
  JasonB

5″ gauge ‘Metre Maid’ cylinder piston stiff

5″ gauge ‘Metre Maid’ cylinder piston stiff

Latest Replies

Latest Issue

July 2026

Newsletter Sign-up

Latest Replies