Rogue solder

[paul]

I discovered tonight that my new boiler has a piece of solder that rattles around inside. After much jiggling I managed to get it over one of the bushes but it's too big to come out.

Does anyone think this is likely to be a problem? It's a vertical boiler with safety valve and regulator on the top. (Does loose solder 'float' in boiling water? It's too late to conduct an experiment now!)

[SteveW]

Paul,

If you ever get to the ME exhibitions check out the PROOPS stalls for old surgical tools, they're amazingly cheap and can get you to places fingers just get to.

www.proopsbrothers.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Forceps_62.html

[havoc]

Since it is largly heavier than water, it won't float. And it won't melt either unless you run out of water, but then that will be the least of your worries. It won't be a problem for the operation of your boiler. Only problem will be your conscience.

[waggy]

My old mate, the late lamented Fred Barnes built a "Lucky 7" to Don Young's drawings. He had a little trouble with the feed clacks leaking. He fed the boiler via 3/16" pipe and clacks, fitted with 7/32" ball. I suggested using rubber balls to cure the problem but didn't mention that he should really have gone up a couple of sizes to stop the balls becoming misshapen under pressure.
You've got it, 7/32 balls were used, steam raised, injectors on and both balls disappeared into the boiler!

He always said that engine was the best steamer he'd made as the boiler had balls!

Waggy.

[paul]

Thanks both. I'm going to try to get to at least one exhibition this year but I just know it'll cost me an arm and a leg (kid in candy shop ahoy).

Hehe Havoc, things like that do irritate don't they? No-one will no it's there and it won't affect anything but it will probably annoy me to hell!