laying up an engine

[Terry Chapman 2Participant @terrychapman2]

Ive got a 1" coal fired Minnie.Whats the best way to protect it after cleaning it up etc after firing? I was thinking a light spray of WD 40 through the tubes/firebox etc?

[Terry Chapman 2Participant @terrychapman2]

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Amazed no-one has responded yet, so this is mainly to wake up a real expert! I guess the part most likely to corrode is the inside of the boiler, piping, pistons and valves rather than the firebox and tubes. So empty and dry it completely after use.

Spraying WD40 will remove any water but it won't prevent condensation later on. Is it practical to put the engine in a sealed box with some of those vapour inhibitors? Covering with a blanket is better than nothing.

Dave

[GoCreateParticipant @gocreate]

Apparently Lanolin is a good rust preventative. for steel parts.

Presumably it's a copper boiler so I don't think should have a problem.

My 3" Allchin has a steel boiler, for winter storage I'm filling it to the brim with water + boiler treatment added at a concentration used for a 1st steaming when new. and protected from frost. I'm intending trying lanolin for bear steel parts.

If possible keep it in a warm place.

Hope that's of some help.

How about bees wax on bear steel parts?

Nigel

Edited By tractionengine42 on 05/11/2018 19:54:28

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

When it comes to cars I've found a little airflow during storage is the main thing. I don't see why the same doesn't apply here.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

As a non steam man, my suggestions would be.

Spray oil into the steam chest and cylinder, and then fill the boiler the top with 50/50 antifreeze solution., to benefit from the inhibitors, and the risk of frost damage. Drain and flush out before steaming next season!

Oil/grease all bright metal work, cover, but leave the bottom open so that any moist air can fall out.

Through lack of space my bandsaw lives outside. The bare metal is oiled from time to time, and the "box" cover is made of the same material used for curtainsider trailers, with the bottom open. Rust is not a problem.

Howard

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