Lubrication

[Garry]

The design of my loco has the oil pipe from the lubricator going into the superheater header where it will follow the superheaters through the boiler with the steam and then into the cylnders. I have just been told that this is not a good idea, can anyone confirm this one way or the other before I have to strip down and re-pipe it?

Garry

[ivan]

It is a horrible idea. Most oils begin to burn or decompose at about 350 - 400 C and there will be temperatures in the superheater tubing which at times will be considerably in excess of that, particularly when the engine is stationary. It is best place to introduce the oil is as close to the valve chest as you can.