need help to get engine running

[j king]

Just finished building an atmospheric engine and it wont run. I happen to find this site trying to figure out what was wrong.Seems some fairly crude engines run..I am thinking it may be the timing but guessing..Will post a pic in a bit. Thanks Jim

[speedless]

Hi
Looks like your right from the pics.180 degrees ?
No more guessing,timing should be 90 degrees.
Hint:Power piston in top,diplacer in middle pos.
Power piston in bottum,diplacer in middle pos.
Jan

[Junkie]

The picture's not too clear, but it looks like the cranks are set at 180 degree as the other poster said.

Great work though, looks really well built.

[j king]

It is approx 90% from each other...Hmmm The balance is out. Are these fussy on that?

[Junkie]

Does it do anything when you apply heat (i.e piston moves a little)? What heat source are you testing it with ? Maybe try a more powerful one!?

[jimlarsen]

Your timing is off. You don't want 90%. You want 90 degrees, as in a right angle. If everything else is working right, it should run. But based on these pictures we can't make a judgement on the other important factors of balance, friction, and pressure leaks. Yes, balance is critical in a LTD design.

Jim Larsen http://stirlingbuilder.com