Advice needed

James · Fireman Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 98 Location: England

Hi all, I've just completed a 14xx and filled the boiler with the hand pump to pre test it prior to a full test next week. Unfortunatly I can't get the injector to stop running from the overflow pipe? I have stripped it down, reversed it, and checked the clack valve is seating all to no avail. Anyone out there have any suggestions?
Big G

edit:moved by me to the main forum from the introduction page

Ron Wallman · Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject: advice needed

In the absence of any other reply and that I have driven steam locomotives in exhibitions, may I suggest the following:

Assuming the injector to be a simple type there are three connecting pipes. The steam and water feeds should both have valves and if water is coming from the overflow then as the boiler is not in steam both these valves need to be cut off or checked that they do. If water still flows then it is coming from the boiler feed clack (non-return valve) that should have a spring to make it seat. Again this needs to be checked that water is not escaping from the boiler that way.

An injector will only work with steam. Compressed air does not have the required temperature to make the combining cone work. The only way an injector will work is if the water is cold and steam is available at temperature and pressure. The over flow acts to clear water until the combining action works properly and the delivery cone acts to separate water that has not combined properly. The steam temperature drop has to be about 38°C whilst going through the injector.

My source is Page 56 of Handbook for Railway Steam Locomotive Enginemen 1957.

I attach a shot I took on 24 July.

_________________
Ron