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(DIR) Return to: Restorations
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#Post#: 40519--------------------------------------------------
Restoration of a Mason Steam Car Engine - Part 2
By: Gregowen Date: April 18, 2021, 4:54 pm
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After completely disassembling the engine, the most
pressing task was to try to repair the cylinder head damage,
using JB Weld. The original cylinder head cap was damaged beyond
repair, so I planned to use a 1/4 thick disc of aluminum, in the
hopes of trying to repair it to somewhat "running" condition, at
least for demonstration purposes. Running the engine at all was
problematic, since at least 60 PSI would be required, and I have
no practical means to keep up such pressure for any length of
time (even on air). Also, these engines had no flywheel (the
wheels of the car served as the "flywheel").
[attachimg=1]
The JB Weld repairs were a bit tricky, requiring the use of
small wood dowels to leave the cylinder head bolt holes open at
the right diameter, while ensuring that the remaining parts of
the cylinder head were sufficiently strengthened.
[attachimg=2]
With the JB Weld hardened and sanded, all that was left was
to tap the correct threads into the bolt holes. I was surprised
that it all turned out as well as it did!
[attachimg=3]
With the cylinder head repaired, I proceeded to clean up
and paint. These engines were originally painted all black, but
I decided to use a multi-color paint scheme to highlight all the
details. The bronze frame proved to be difficult to strip
completely, so instead I chose to paint it, using a shade called
"hammered copper", which turned out to be a very close match to
the original bronze frame. Some of the smooth exposed steel
surfaces were treated with cold bluing compound, instead of
paint.
[attachimg=4]
The best option I could find for making the cylinder and
valve chest cover gaskets was a 1/8 thick rubber type that I
could only find in red. These were hand-cut using scissors, a
razor, and a leather punch.
[attachimg=5]
These photos do not show the many screws and bolts, but
they likewise required a lot of rust-removal with a wire brush,
and many were also blued. Almost all of the original screws and
bolts were used, with the exception of the lower cylinder head
bolts that attach to cylinder head to the frame - they were
replaced with modern black bolts very similar to the originals
(some of the cylinder head bolts were too far gone to use). Two
of the four large bolts holding the main crankshaft cap were
non-matching replacements, so I replaced those with fancy chrome
bolts - the other two are original (these will be shown in Part
3).
[attachimg=6]
Next steps involved the reassembly, some of which was easy
and simple, other aspects were not. The hardest part was getting
the main crankshaft bearings assembled, which involved the
delicate insertion of about 130 individual ball bearings, two
sets each of 1/2 inch balls and (roughly) 1/4 inch balls. I lost
count of how many times I had to start over after the balls
spilled out!
The final segment showing the completed engine comes next
(a bit later this evening).
#Post#: 40521--------------------------------------------------
Re: Restoration of a Mason Steam Car Engine - Part 2
By: Stoker Date: April 18, 2021, 5:04 pm
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I think the hammered copper was an excellent color choice for
the bronze frame, and the different colors for enhancing detail
is really appealing to the eye!
#Post#: 40523--------------------------------------------------
Re: Restoration of a Mason Steam Car Engine - Part 2
By: classixs Date: April 18, 2021, 5:07 pm
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Love the colourscheme, great job!
PS. Might be wise to post updates in the initial thread, to keep
it all in one place.
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