[Steam-engine] Wachs packing gland question

[Richard Strobel]

Thanks for all the info, Nick.  I guess I didn't realize the alignment of 
the crosshead/shoes was that critical.  We'll see how it goes.

RickinMt.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "P Stanley" <pstanley at twcny.rr.com>
To: "Steam-engine mailing list" <steam-engine at lists.stationary-engine.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2005 9:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Steam-engine] Wachs packing gland question


> You should be packing the rod with graphite rope packing, available from
> Mcmaster- Carr, et al. There were other types of packings, ie. 
> semi-metallic
> and metallic. But, these were used almost exclusively on the larger 
> Corliss
> engines or locomotives. Additionally, these packings require a rod that is
> very smooth and true, whereas a graphite packing will allow for quite a 
> bit
> of pitting before it will leak badly, although the packing should never be
> too tight,  as it will score the rod. You should always get a little drip 
> of
> water every so often from the packing. On the mettallic packing, it was
> usually(on corliss engines at least) in the form of a large carrier with
> several thin, multi-piece ring, made of bronze or cast iron, held against
> the piston-rod by a garter spring around the perimeter of the rings. There
> are other types that are probably not in any of the books i've read. The
> metallic packings allowed for less wear, and a long period of use before
> replacement, and they allowed for higher pressures and temps. than would 
> be
> possible with graphite rope. If you are concerned with the rod rubbing on
> the cast iron gland, then you should look toward adjusting your crosshead
> shoes (if you have a tapered-shoe type crosshead) to center the rod in the
> gland hole.
> Good Luck
> -Nick Stanley
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Richard Strobel" <Richard_Strobel7 at msn.com>
> To: "steam-engine" <steam-engine at lists.stationary-engine.com>
> Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2005 12:05 PM
> Subject: [Steam-engine] Wachs packing gland question
>
>
> > Howdy all;
> > Well the stationary Wachs is coming along fine and waiting for a nice 
> > day
> to
> > do some outside blasting.  Machinist friend, Corky has built some fine
> > replacement rods and such and the cast welding repairs are done.  We're
> > having a good time.
> >
> >   Now for the big question.  Ya'll know that the piston rod is sealed 
> > with
> a
> > packing gland and packing.  This piston rod (steel) goes up and down
> through
> > the packing gland (cast) and it's not all that loose of fit.  I'm 
> > thinking
> > of having Corky install a brass bushing (not OEM) so the piston rod
> doesn't
> > get scored.
> >
> > Whatcha think..would it hurt to do so?
> >
> >
> > TIA
> > RickinMT.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Steam-engine mailing list
> > http://www.stationary-engine.com/mailman/listinfo/steam-engine
>
> _______________________________________________
> Steam-engine mailing list
> http://www.stationary-engine.com/mailman/listinfo/steam-engine
>