What are the thoughts on running air pumps, stoker engines, etc on air to keep them lubed and limbered up. Do you add a little straight oil into the air supply as opposed to steam oil? if you add straight oil, is there any possibility of creating problems when steam is applied in the future such as carbonizing or some other malady?

Thanks,

Dale

Hi Dale - I'm not inclined toward the idea, as every time you introduce new air into the mechanism you also introduce whatever water and gunk is entrained with the air. I'd rather blow out all the moisture with some dry air or nitrogen, whatever is handy, then introduce some vaporized sticky oil that will adhere to all the cylinder walls, etc. Then, close it off and keep it closed from the atmosphere. No wear, no introduction of fresh byproducts into the system. When (if) you next fire her up, then you can turn the motors over on air with steam oil blown through with the air, before you use hot steam and avoid carbon problems. Atlanta isn't known for its dry climate.

My sympathies on your assignment and best wishes.

dave

add some water soluable oil to the compressor at the oil lube check. Then run the pump on air a few strokes distributing the oil throughout the pump innards. This will displace the condensation (water) and lube all the parts. One thing about leaving a pump set with condensation is that the rings will etch into the bores then when you start the pump you stand a chance of snapping a ring. This of course on the reversing and shuttle valves.

mix the water soluable oil according to the manufacturers instructions

My practice has been just about 180 degrees out.I run the pump on air without adding any lubrication to the steam end, but making sure the air oil cup is full with synthetic air compressor oil. But the fact that our locomotives were stored inside a heated building may have made a greater difference.

There is a standard practice that calls for adding a liberal amount of a mix of steam and journal oil to the steam line and reversing valve, about a pint of oil to each cylinder(in the case of an air pump) and running a few strokes. Disassemble all checkvalves (air end)and coat with grease.
Prior to this they should be run on air to blow out any accumulated water.

Curious- Is this a static display locomotive or one that has recently been in operation?

The last time the locomotive last operated circa 91-92. There came a chance for it to operate again for a movie sometime around '99ish. But, the time line for getting it in operation was about 5 months....they couldn't wait more than 2 or at most 3.
The stoker was blown out in '94, engine thoroughly lubricated and trough cleaned out. I never got to the air pump though.