22.10.2013
I have been sorting many small problems on Billy since returning from Castle Combe but thankfully nothing major. The pilot light was a problem being weak the whole trip, even at Prescott.
To test the pilot lights, I run a pipe from the pilot light filter to the pilot light which is set up in a vice held in a Black & Decker Workmate beside the car by its fuel inlet pipe. I first make sure the connections have no leaks and that the pilot light valves are working properly with no leaks when off as I do not want a fire in the workshop with hexane. I also keep the airline nearby with an air jet available. I then warm up the pilot light and run it making sure that there is a good strong blue flame with little yellow if any. Testing on this rig allows one to see if there are any leaks from the screws or the centre washer which you cannot see on the car. The long pipe to the pilot light from the filter and its valve do produce a little delay in adjustment of the height of the flame but this is little problem.
I found that initially I could get little control of the flame but I made a new needle valve and all is now well. I tested and sorted two spare pilot lights at the same time. I like to keep a spare with each car when touring. I have had the old pipes break at times. These central castings are all now over 100 years old and are vulnerable to bronze failure. We have yet to find someone capable of making good new castings although we have tried several firms who have told us that they can do them and fail.
I have removed the sparker as it was useless and suffered scorching. The steam pipework has had a tidy up and most of the rest of the car. I am still in two minds about tidying up the bonnet paintwork or leaving it with a bit of character –well singed!
My next job is to take the spare engine crankshaft apart for its new bearings.
This link came in from the Prescott event. Unfortunately, I do not think that anyone videoed Billy on the top half of the hill.
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prescotamericanautumnclassic.blogspot.co.uk]
Bob