1899 Locomobile diff brace
Posted by: (---.bri.connect.net.au)
Date: December 15, 2007 02:54AM
Hi guys. New to forum and new to steam. Have a very original 1899 Locomobile, and at about 12 to 15 mph, the rear axle assembly flexes so much the chain comes off. I understand that late in 1899 they added a brace from the diff centre to the chassis rails on each side, then in 1900 they cast in the supporting lugs for these bracing struts, making them a permanent feature. They also changed the axle housing half joining pieces to round tube rather than the flat originally used.
Can anyone please supply me with a pair of, or specs and/or photos of the bracing rods added late 1899? If I need to manufacture these, I would like them to be as close as possible to original. Or is there someone willing to make these for me, using their's as a pattern?
Question 2: What is the correct method of putting my baby to bed? I received good 'firing up' instructions, but nothing on 'firing down'. To date, I have been opening a small tap in the steam chest cover, leaving the car in neutral, and opening the throttle slightly to let the steam slowly escape.
It fires up easily, reaching 200psi in a few minutes. Have not yet experienced a blowback, nor flame anywhere except where it should be. Running fuel pressure (petrol) at 40psi, and pilot at about 8psi. Have to address the flexing rear axle before driving any more then half a mile from home, and then I suspect the steering will need some attention.
I also posted this in the SACA forum, but it does not seem as orientated towards the veteran scene as this forum is.
Cheers
Merv Kroll