Topic starter
21/02/2012 3:59 am
No matter how many winters have gone by that I have learned different ways to adapt to the cold, Alan Bates' saying, "There's nothing more cold and forlorn than a steamboat in the winter." still resonates in the back of my mind and will send shivers down my spine at the mere image of a snow covered paddlewheeler. Even though we've had a mild winter on this stretch of the Ohio river and there will be mornings when I walk out of my house and wonder I should dress so heavily, stepping inside the Belle will remind me. If you can't be in a warm place, then you try to find a job to keep you warm. Fortunately, one of those jobs is lapping the main engines' valves, so I've posted a few pictures not often seen and, sometimes, frustrating to explain in an age when valves are often expected to be tossed out for new. During my first searches for lapping compound, I would get perplexed salesmen from our plumbing vendors asking what one does with lapping compound--really? Why don't you just toss the old valve out for a new one? Granted, there are some situations where time is not on your side and replacing a valve is the best solution. In addition, valve lapping doesn't really lend much to the imagination. Although, grinding these big valves in a, seemingly, endless repetition can give rise to a few contemplative moments. These double poppet valves, though, do present the challenge of lapping two valves at once. I've managed to come across a few texts describing the strengths and weaknesses of these valves in these steam engines. While they were great for providing power quickly to the engine, their weakness was in not maintaining a good seat for long. How long? They were lapped in last winter and I remember being told this was often a routine activity for engineers on these boats when sitting idle for a significant period of time, so why not see what a season of cruising has done to them, eh? Anyway, it will keep me warm in the process. This is the aft exhaust on the stbd. engine.
21/02/2012 2:51 pm
Dan: The first time I set foot on the DQ was in the winter of 1954 or 1955 and Alan's words are very true. The word that comes to mind regarding a cold steamboat is "cadaver!" That valve seems like a version of Frisbie's balanced poppet valves. Looks like cans of good old "Cloverleaf" valve grinding compound (green cans). It also looks like the seats are in pretty good shape. I assume that you use the rig attached to the stem on the left of the first picture to spin the valve in its seat to grind it?? What grit(s) are you using? And, yes, a vigorous application of lapping energy is likely to keep you at least somewhat warm! Cap'n Walnut
Topic starter
22/02/2012 2:20 am
Yeah, this is your balanced double poppet valve, slightly used, with some repairs done over the years. The lapping compound is the latest incarnation of Cloverleaf, under Loctite's auspices. I managed to dig some up from our steel supplier, Neil-LaVeile, here in Louisville. We have a whole slew of grits from very coarse "EE" (100) to "AA" (1200). The seats, so far, have been in decent shape--not needing nearly as much time spent on them this time as in years past. As a consequence, I only been using grits between AA and C. What can't be seen in the first pic is a rolled steel pin driven through the valve stem. This pin rests in a notch on top of the valve to hold the stem in place while lapping, since it normally floats under a plate riveted to the top of the valve. I'll post a pic of one of the intake valves when I get around to one so you can see the size difference. Speaking of Frisbie, I recently came across a digital copy of Frisbie's original patent posted by the patent office with the original sketches. I hope you're doing well down on your stretch of the river!
22/02/2012 6:39 pm
Dan: I have two of Hamlin's patents. In both, he calls them "Puppet Valves". One is for the valves, the other is for the gear. Mine appear to be the original patent office issue; don't remember where I got them. If you want copies of either one, I'll be coming to the presentation on the '37 Flood on Sunday. Do you guys use Locktite thread locker? I use a lot of 222 on my steamers and it has been a real help. This is the grade used to anchor eye-glass threads and can be easily disassembled when needed but no working loose under vibration. It prevents corrosion freezing things in place too. Have not been near the river lately except the Mississippi at Reelfoot Lake over the weekend. Cap'n Walnut
Topic starter
23/02/2012 2:24 am
Yeah, I'd love to make some copies of those patents! We usually use Key-Tite, but that Loctite sounds pretty good--be willing to try some. I caught Rick Bell's 37 flood presentation a few weeks ago at the public library. I'm sure you'll enjoy--safe travels!
23/02/2012 2:14 pm
Dan: I'll take copies to the Howard on Sunday and I imagine that Keith will want copies for the museum and you can get them from him. Mebbe Kenny or Jimmy can bring them to you. If the BOL is in her usual place I can bring them to the boat if you will be aboard on Sunday.