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#Post#: 72616--------------------------------------------------
Oscillator without a safety valve
By: komet163b Date: December 13, 2025, 3:12 pm
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I bought a small collection of tabletop steam engines.
Sigh, another steamer rode off into the sunset.
Two of them were 'homemade' - and look it. I've added a
photo of the one in question. Interestingly, the engine
and faux governor do not look homemade.
One of them, the subject of this post, is an oscillator
whose boiler has no S/V. I've read that it is not critical
for an oscillator. The boiler is small and non-ferrous and
well built. Everything is air-tight.
I'm pretty confident around homemade mechanical devices
and have had my share of 'learning' events - enough to know
my own limitations.
So, am I crazy for trying this? I figure I could warm it
up to boiling (with the boiler-cap off), then cap it and see
if it runs. If it doesn't run 'flame-off'. I'm sure it will
run well. On air it runs like a champ and very smooth.
Or, do I need to drill a hole in the boiler and mount a
fitting that would take an existing S/V, like from a Weeden
or some similar engine? Eventually yes, but I'd save that for
a total disassembly and repaint job. It needs repainting
so much.....
Thanks,
Wayne
#Post#: 72617--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: RichSteamTx Date: December 13, 2025, 3:29 pm
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personally, I don't think a oscillator needs a pressure valve -
that is just a overabundance of caution.
#Post#: 72618--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: komet163b Date: December 13, 2025, 3:58 pm
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Well, good enough for me! Now, to choose the right burner.
Then, bombs away.....after dinner.
Wayne
#Post#: 72619--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: Ironhorse57 Date: December 13, 2025, 4:36 pm
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Although there have been some commercial oscillating toy engines
made without a s/v, even as late as the 1960's, it would only
take a simple blockage of the steam pipe to ruin your day.
Just my opinion..
Dave
#Post#: 72620--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: St Paul Steam Date: December 13, 2025, 4:52 pm
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it is said that the mere fact that an oscillator will separate
enough from the steam chest to negate the need for a S/V in over
pressure situations.
#Post#: 72622--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: Stoker Date: December 13, 2025, 6:25 pm
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If the load spring that holds the cylinder against the port face
is fairly soft and easily pulled a reasonable distance away,
then I'd be comfortable running it myself.
With that said, Dave (Ironhorse57) is not wrong with his
cautionary input!
#Post#: 72632--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: RedRyder Date: December 14, 2025, 7:22 am
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I was getting ready to weigh in.
However.... after reading all the replies I could see the
subject was very well covered.
Congrats on taking on a collection.
Happy steamin'!
#Post#: 72657--------------------------------------------------
Re: Oscillator without a safety valve
By: komet163b Date: December 17, 2025, 5:06 pm
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Well.....as it turns out there was a leak in the boiler.
Ran like a champ on air but the water then dribbled out
from the boiler bottom - which has 5 heater tubes soldered
into it. Way too complex for a small boiler - and too red.
As it turns out I have another similar one from the same
source. Same complex of tubes in the bottom. I put water
in it and nothing dribbled out. I'm switching the engine
to the new boiler - already have it temporarily fitted and
it ran well on air.
So, I need to drill some new mounting holes, assemble it,
solder the steampipe, water it (try it on air again), and
then try steaming it up.
Love cobbling things together,
Wayne
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