Large amounts of water and steam coming off the safety valve

theyounghobbyist · Post by **theyounghobbyist** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 12:49 pm

I recently set up a small (very small) circuit, and have a R/C Roundhouse 0-4-0 Koppel steam loco.
After running t for a minute or two, excess steam ad cold water comes out of the safety valve. I have tried turning down the gas regulator, but to no avail.
Any help? The loco usually stops from lack of water quickly because of this

Big Al · Post by **Big Al** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 12:56 pm

I do not see how you get cold water if you have steam it must be hot !

theyounghobbyist · Post by **theyounghobbyist** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 12:59 pm

Big Al:85916 wrote:I do not see how you get cold water if you have steam it must be hot !

I think that it is under too much pressure, so the water in the tank is being forced out of the valve - by cold I meant tepidish

Big Al · Post by **Big Al** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 1:45 pm

To have steam it must be boiling so = HOT. when you fill boiler do you remove 30mil of water to lower the level for the steam to form. Are you running the loco when hot or just heating it up stationery ? The safety valve is set to blow at about 40psi. by running the loco you use the steam and it should not keep blowing out the safety valve if you leave it stationary it will tend to keep blowing out the safety valve until it's run or you turn gas right down. Also is this a new loco or has a previous owner been at it as it is possible to tamper with the safety valve ? If you want to test run the loco put a brick or block of wood under the buffer beams at each end and run it with the wheels raised. If you still have problems ring Roundhouse and get them to check the safety valve .

theyounghobbyist · Post by **theyounghobbyist** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 2:17 pm

It's an old loco that's been kept in reasonable storage for about 10 years, so it is possible a seal has blown or something like that. I do remove 30ml, sometimes 40ml, and it starts spitting out water even when stationary. Bubbles form on top of the valve when it is first warming up.

Also, one of the piston housings(?) blows of steam (maybe smoke). This might be an old rubber seal, but it could be something else.

I will try the block of wood idea.

MVL Bridges · Post by **MVL Bridges** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 2:36 pm

I had a similar problem with an Accucraft Edrig.
Knowing I could get a new replacement for less than £20 I took the problem safety valve apart and found a rubber O ring had split. I'm not sure if Roundhouse valves use a similar ring but that would be my diagnosis.

Michael

steamie1 · Post by **steamie1** » Sat Jul 13, 2013 3:06 pm

Second that, the safety valve needs replacing or an overhaul..

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Large amounts of water and steam coming off the safety valve

Large amounts of water and steam coming off the safety valve

Large amounts of water and steam coming off the safety valv

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