Re: Why we need a boiler test.
Posted by:
Jeff Theobald (Moderator)
Date: May 14, 2007 03:06AM
Hi Jack,
I must agree with everything SSsssteamer has said, in my experience over the years the boiler that has given trouble from leaking tubes had been fitted with steel stays 1" in diameter.
My Brooks boiler was built 22 years ago, and fitted with 12 stays, these were fitted at the insistence of the insurance company inspector who had admitted that this was his first experience with a steam car boiler, we found ourselves in the position of No stays, No insurance. Although tight at 1000psi on the hydraulic test, when in use, under certain conditions it would suddenly leak badly from the fire plate tube ends, This problem stayed with the boiler until we had the stays removed, and tubes fitted in there place, the boiler has been tested and in constant use without trouble since that time.
I think the problem was caused by the stays forcing the tubes to work in the fire plate, as the stays held everything rigid, when this occurred the fire was immediately extinguished, and when you had found somewhere to stop, water would be pouring from the ventures, if you could get the fire relit before the water level got to low, the leaks would stop immediately, and you could continue on your way.
The amazing thing was, back at the workshop the following day with the boiler cooled down, more than once we dropped the firebox, and carried out a full hydraulic test, and again the boiler would be tight. The only staining marks would be around the tube ends near each stay.
Hope this helps, Jeff.