Roundhouse Argyll pressure gauge not working

T

timit

Registered
Hi. About a year or so ago I purchased a second hand Roundhouse Argyll and on its first test run I found the pressure gauge was not working. I promptly replaced the gauge but still no joy. I have used the model frequently setting up the safety valve using my Roundhouse Katie and then swapping the two. It runs a treat and is much more controllable than Katie. I did contact Roundhouse who suggested using either vinegar or a de-scaler in the boiler to try and clear any blockage. I have gone down the vinegar route a couple of times but still no working gauge (which I know does work since it was fine when transferred to Katie). Does anyone have any further suggestions. I would really like to get the pressure gauge working again.
Thanks in anticipation
Timit
 
I would suggest that it IS a blockage, somewhere in the feed to the gauge, especially as you know the gauge works. You need to dismantle further back down towards the boiler and check each piece physically (poke a fuse-wire though it). I would further suggest that it may be be some silver solder or flux that is restricting a fitting, in which case vinegar is unlikely to clear it on it's own, but a good soaking of the parts will certainly help.
 
I had a similar problem with an Accucraft loco a couple of years ago. Turned out the feed pipe to the gauge had become gunked up with steam oil residue. Had to rod it out and blow through some suitable solvent. Now I only use a lighter grade steam oil, reccomended by some service agents, rather than the heavy grade supplied with my original Roundhouse Lady Anne. Somebody here will know the spec's.
Max.
 
Max, I have to ask, what was steam oil doing IN the boiler???

There are several grades of steam oil. The main criteria being if you have super-heat you should check that you have the correct grade. Using what the manufacturer supplies should ensure that.
 
bobg said:
Max, I have to ask, what was steam oil doing IN the boiler???
There are several grades of steam oil. The main criteria being if you have super-heat you should check that you have the correct grade. Using what the manufacturer supplies should ensure that.
Click to expand...
There was no oil supplied with the loco new - a self imported Accucraft K-28 - so I used what was supplied to me originaly, for my Roundhouse Lady Anne by a certain well known specialist retailer without thinking. I was put right by the ever helpfull Mike Darby at Chuffed2bits, after gunking up my 3 cylinder Shay too ! Live and learn, live and learn. All run right now.
Max.
 
With all steamers, make sure you leave an open airway to the boiler when you close down, so that when it cools it doesn't draw back oil from the displacement lubricator (or the cylinders). It shouldn't happen, but it can under certain circumstances. just slackening the Goodall valve (water top-up) will do it. Oil in the boiler will reduce the efficiency as effectively as scale, over time, and is a lot harder to remove, especially when burnt on.
 
bobg said:
With all steamers, make sure you leave an open airway to the boiler when you close down, so that when it cools it doesn't draw back oil from the displacement lubricator (or the cylinders). Just slackening the Goodall valve (water top-up) will do it. Oil in the boiler will reduce the efficiency as effectively as scale, over time, and is a lot harder to remove, especially when burnt on.
Click to expand...
Usefull tip, have never been told that or seen it in a manual. I tend to open the blow-down valve, lubricator drain, if fitted. Sufficiant ? Would leaving the regulator cracked open count ? Was told to refill lubricator while engine is still warm before putting away.
Max.
 
I prefer to leave my lube empty at the end of the run. With a full lubricator and with no airway, is how the oil probably got back to the boiler. Cold steam oil can be a bit of a problem but easily sorted by placing the container in warm water or on a radiator for a short time. Cracking the reg. will also help provide a way for the oil get back. Leaving the boiler overflow/blowdown open will do the job nicely, especially if you drain the boiler at the same time.

With my large locos I open all the valves, blower, injector feeds, steam brake feed etc.
 
Hi everyone....First of all thanks ever so much for the great response to my question. I will try to remove the blockage physically with a wire and then repeat the descaling process which will hopefully clear the blockage. Re the advice on steam oil and loosening the safety valve on shutdown I do use quite a gunky steam oil (not Roundhouse I hasten to add) but I do loosen the safety valve on shutdown and ultimately empty the boiler after each run. Although my Katie has been running on the gunky steam oil for several years without any issue I will get some lighter (Roundhouse) oil for comparison. As for emptying or not the lubricator after shut down I do not have a consistent method for that I admit.
Will get back to you if I have any joy with this
Thanks again for the replies
Happy Christmas
Timit
 
My apologies Timit, I should have welcomed you to the forum. I had not noticed it was your first post.
 
Hi & welcome timit, all good advice so far, let us know how you get on .
 
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