Saturday, 26 January 2013

Stirling Engine Blog 11 January 23 2013


I put the exhaust duct up today, it was relatively straightforward as the flexible duct fits perfectly over the exhaust flue. I am still waiting on the aluminized tape to make a proper seal at the base near the engine.
During the first test charge of the plumbing system (with just water and no glycol), I had a major leak in one of the radiator fittings which forced me to drain the whole system. The radiator had 2 compression fittings connected to it (jury-rigged). The fittings were not the correct fittings for the radiator and were only a temporary measure during the initial tests at home. The thread on the connecting nut appears to be stripped or otherwise damaged. It was necessary to go back to Heat Merchants and pick up some new radiator valves. I've decided to put in the proper radiator valves and use 1/2" to 3/4" straight compression fittings to make them compatible with the qualpex. I've also decided to incorporate a drain valve in the system to make draining the system easier.

Radiator disconnected from circuit

Radiator fitting that needed to be replaced. The thread on the silver hex ring is damaged and it was necessary to replace the whole fitting (this also required getting a radiator spanner - a 1/2" allen key essentially)

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