Southworth Pump Lubrication

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

Good evening all,

I've just finished a southworth pump (3&quot for my locomotive, it is being fed with steam from the turret, therefore saturated. Do you think it needs a displacement lubricator? I can't decide.

The design uses o-rings throughout, silicone I believe.

Thanks,

Jon.

[Jon LawesParticipant @jonlawes51698]

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

For his steam pumps LBSC drew a tiny displacement lubricator – it is described in the Live Steam Book (aka Shop, Shed & Road) and as far as I recall it was 5/16" diameter by about an inch tall – I can't lay my hand on the book at present to check though.

in general I suggest lubrication is kept to the minimum you can get away with as all of the oil will end up in your boiler.

[Nigel BennettParticipant @nigelbennett69913]

Posted by Nick Clarke 3 on 30/03/2021 09:06:15:

in general I suggest lubrication is kept to the minimum you can get away with as all of the oil will end up in your boiler.

Surely not; if you're daft enough to pipe the lubricant into the water side of the pump, yes, but if it's only being used to lubricate the steam side as intended, then you won't get oil into the water side and hence none into the boiler.

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

Posted by Nigel Bennett on 31/03/2021 13:42:32:

Posted by Nick Clarke 3 on 30/03/2021 09:06:15:

in general I suggest lubrication is kept to the minimum you can get away with as all of the oil will end up in your boiler.

Surely not; if you're daft enough to pipe the lubricant into the water side of the pump, yes, but if it's only being used to lubricate the steam side as intended, then you won't get oil into the water side and hence none into the boiler.

Sorry – Yes Nigel you are quite right – Brain failure on my part. Thanks for correcting.

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