Accucraft Mikado Power Problems

[Anonymous]

I'm having trouble getting a decent speed with my Accucraft Mikado.  I don't recall having this problem when I first ran her this Summer (which is a good argument for keeping a record of every run) but I may have been running a lighter consist.  The safety valve cuts in at 40 psi, and a visual inspection indicates no binding of the rear and front trucks.

Anyone else have this problem and, if so, what do you suggest?  I'm thinking of adjusting the safety valve to 55 psi, but I may have missed something else that other's have encountered with this engine.

[two tone]

Do NOT I repaet Do NOT adjust the safty valve.  CHECK with supplier if there is a fault with one of the pisions or you may have a steam blockage     Remember HOT water can cause VERY bad burns

 

                             Do seek help before you ajust any thing  if you insisit on doing this make sure you are on your own but some one is in ear shot in case you need help

 

                                                   Take care

[kimbrit]

Completely agree, never mess with safety devices on anything. Get onto the manufacturers and let them advise you, if it's in guarentee, send it back.

[whiterab]

What is your outside air temperature?

If it is cold, your butane is not going to have as much pressure as you did this summer.

I don't have a mogul but my other AC steamers have the butane tank in the tender and the box around the butane tank is water tight.  Try filling the water box with warm water to raise the pressure in the butane tank.

Also keep your butane supply warm.  If your supply tank is colder than the butane tank in the tender, the butane will try to flow from the warmest bottle to the coldest.

 

Hope this helps

[NeO6874]

what about the dry pipe or the cylinders?  perhaps something (maybe a little water/condensation) got in there and is blocking the steam? especially if it's cold - i'd imagine that the cylinders would need to get warm so that the steam wouldn't condense..?

 

 

[Slick]

By all means, raise the pressure to 50 or so pounds..... And I also suggest that you take your questions to the Aristocraft forum where you can get good accurate info on this engine.   I own and operate one of these and also a few other livesteamers,  raising the safety release pressure will not be the " end of the world as we know it".     

[two tone]

 Slicks comments may be all right but I would not want to be held responsable for some one getting hurt> As most vomments say talk to maker of unit. then if any thing goes wrong provided you have followed there instructions to the letter any damage is down to then