Re: Re:
Smiffy_no46":1jqien9m said:
I’m interested in how you get on with spares.
Have become a 'mamod te1a' expert nerd over the last two weeks!
Spares: I did not realise that mamod still exists and continues to make numerous steam models, from their base in Birmingham. It does mean that certain spares are readily available, particularly from the various 'model' websites that can be found on the web. As a minimum you will probably want sets of seals which are cheap and available. Beyond that, all the spares, as a mix of new and used, can be sourced through the model shops or ebay. Certain spares command a premium, such as the older back scuttle, meths burner, and canopy because these items are often 'lost' by owners over the years. Minor changes throughout the production years results in slight difference in a few of the parts, so you need to determine the year and be observant of that when sourcing parts. In particular the canopy support and its firebox bracket differ, as does the firebox cowling and burner. There are a few webpages that show production timeline of various models.
Caution: There is an issue with older mamod engines when not used for some time. It relates to the removal of the safety valve, whistle and overflow plug when replacing the seals. The three items screw into a boss that was inserted, soldered and/or crimped from inside the boiler at manufacture and can no longer be accessed. The solder, and crimping is a weak point, particular if the boiler has ever been overheated. If the safety valve, whistle and overflow plug have not been removed for some time, they can get thread bound by limescale. Too vigorous an attempt to remove them can cause the boss to work loose rather than the threaded item, which is very difficult to then resolve, rendering the boiler to being potentially useless. So do give the three threads a good soaking with penetrating oil, and be cautious as to how much force you use in trying to remove them. Once the safety valve is out, check that the valve lifts, as it too gets stuck with limescale.