Acquired a Stirling Engine

[Yepitsadam]

Hi. I bought a Stirling engine at a yard sale a while back. I grabbed it because it looked cool and I like to learn about new things. After I brought it home and researched it, I tried using it. I'm sure it has a learning curve and this thing has probably never been oiled. I'm now wondering if this thing needs to be in someone else's hands. Is there anyone on here that would like this thing? I don't know how much they go for and I don't have much invested in it. I just think it needs to not go to waste. Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but thought I would give it a try. I will try to post pics. Thanks for your time. I live in Louisville, KY by the way, in case there is someone local so I wouldn't have to worry about packing and shipping.

[Ian S C]

I don't know of the value of the motor in USA, but in some parts it could fetch quite good money.
I think I see a users manual in the background, I think it may say that the bearings should be lubricated sparely with a light oil (sewing machine oil), and a minimum if any oil on the piston, unless the piston is made of carbon/graphite, in which case NO OIL there.
Nice wee engine. Ian S C

[Yepitsadam]

Yeah, I can move it by hand but it's not easy. I didn't know if that meant it is in need of oil if there would be compression in the cylinder that would keep it from spinning freely. I tried it once and it didn't work, so I'm leaning toward it needing oil. I think it's cool, and if I didn't already have hobbies that take up my time, I would tear into this one. I just thought a collector might get more out of it than I will.
That being said, I'm a gun collector, so if anyone reading this sees a possible trade in that area, I'm always open. :)
Honestly, I just want to see this go to someone who appreciates it rather than it rusting away.

[Ian S C]

I see that it is one of Andy Ross's engines, might be worth dropping him an E-mail, I'll have a look and see if I can find it. Ian S C

[Triangle.Stirling]

Nice engine! Very nice that you're trying to sell it to someone enthousiastic, however, i guess you're from the US of A?
For me it will be too much for the shipping alone. Also i have no gun, that's not allowed here in the Netherlands :P Maybe you can put it on Ebay?
You haven't had it running yet?

Regards Krijn

[Yepitsadam]

When I first got it, I grabbed some alcohol and lit the fire to see if it would run. It didn't move and I saw a huge section in the manual about oiling so I assumed that was the problem. I didn't feel like diving into it, so I put it in a box until my wife and I decided to clean out our attic recently.
I am in the US. I'm sorry to hear about the no-gun law... Makes me cry a little bit. Nevertheless, I have always wanted to visit the Netherlands (New Zealand too, for Ian S C)... maybe one day! :)
Thanks for the response though. I thought about trying Ebay, but I wanted to try someplace like this first.
On a side note, when I started researching this Stirling engines to find out what I had in my possession, I saw that people are using large versions with wood stoves to run a generator. That's stinking cool!!! Maybe when I retire, I will have time for a hobby other than guns. :)

[Longboy]

You have a PM Research diecast Stirling on your hands. Still available new from Mini Steam and other vendors in single and dual flywheel versions. About $125 U.S. Not a real challenge to disassemble, clean and run, your neighbors 15 yr old should have it back to you in a day. The hot tube is a press fit into the radiator. See the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaESDlPI4w4

[Yepitsadam]

Thanks for the info! My brother (a much more mechanically-inclined person than I) said he wants it, so I guess it's off the market. I'm not sure why I never thought about asking him... It's right up his alley. Thanks again folks! You guys have a good one!

[Triangle.Stirling]

wow, nice engine in that video, running really fast!
glad the engine found a nice new home :)

[Administrator]

He has the old version of the engine. It was not a kit. Made by Solar Engines of Phoenix, Arizona.
I have the book somewhere.

I think they became PM later on or PM started making the engine?

Note no burner on the kit or railing. The old one's have the burner built in.


My engine:

[nickh]

This design originated in the 1950's with model company Davies Charlton based on the isle of Man.

NHH

[Administrator]

You need more of the statements in this matter, so that we can understand. Thank you for sharing. I hope you happy

I'm sorry, I don't understand. Was there something wrong with my previous post?

NHH

NHH,
He is a Spammer......He was "taken care of"....sorry.

Boyd

[Ian S C]

Boyd, as we Kiwis say, she'll be right mate. Ian S C

[quadriplegic]

I just found one at a yard sale, but it's missing parts so I need to find a source. any ideas out there?

[flash3780]

Yepitsadam,
That's a very neat model engine! It looks like it's all there... would you mind posting a video if your brother gets it running?

Chris
Cincinnati, Ohio