Gaskets & Sealants

[ukjimoo]

Hi all

I have almost finished my first build, a DNY traction engine and am getting it prepared for its first run on air (fingers crossed).
I have packed the glands with graphite yarn, but am not sure what to do with the front, back and top cylinder covers. I have purchased some Halite/Dural 1/64" gasket material, but should i use a sealant as well?
I use Boss White for this type of thing on Real steam in industry and i thought it would be a cleaner job than say hermatite as it never actually sets. I just wondered what other builders use.
Also, the design states that a gasket is not required for mating the machined surface of the valve chest to the cylinder block and a sealant should be used. Again i am thinking Boss White, but would appreciate the opinion of others.
Best wishes
Jim

[ron]

Hi Jim
If I'm using Halite or similar I just oil it, I've used Boss white a lot in industry but I don't use it for model stuff.
Ron

[ukjimoo]

Just oiling it sounds good to me if it works. Thanks Ron.
Would you use Boss white for sealing the metal to metal joint?

[ron]

Hi Jim,
I think I would be more inclined to use something a bit more modern, like Hylomar, there are a lot of sophisticated sealants on the market nowadays, even a thin smear of silicon rubber might be worth a try.
Ron

PS I've also found the Loctite sealants very effective with steam.

[jackrae]

You'd be surprised what a thin smear of oil based paint can do on metal to metal surfaces. far cheaper than fancy sealants and every bit as good
jack

[havoc]

What about brown paper soaked in steam oil? If you feel fancy some cotton based bristol...

[denis M]

Take a look on page 9 under the heading, Cylinder Cover Joints. This question has been raised before. I stick by my Loctite products