How to Start a Mamod Steam Engine

The Mamod steam engine is a classic member of the miniature steam engine family. Easily available online, these small engines are great for both the hobbyist and the student and make great classroom demonstration pieces. Look below for guidelines on how to start a Mamod steam engine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Engine
• Water
• Fuel
• Mentholated spirits
• Oil
• Matches

1. Add hot water carefully into the hole at the top of the boiler making sure to fill only to the level indicted; too full and you can flood the engine. Using hot water will decrease the amount of time it takes to get the engine started, as it won't have to waste valuable energy heating up the water. There should be a water level glass that indicates when the water has reached maximum capacity.
2. Push water level plug into the water level hole and secure in place. Not all models have this feature. Spirit burning engines proceed to Step 4 and for modern burners, proceed to Step 3.
3. Place a fuel tablet in the burner tray. You may need a knife to cut the tablet down to the size of your tray. Fuel tablets can be purchased at any good model shop or online.
4. Pour mentholated spirits into the gauze-style burner of your older model engine. Be sure to drip directly into the top of the burner. The amount of spirits is a judgment call you must make based on the size of your engine.
5. Lubricate all moving parts of the engine with lubricating oil. Specially made Mamod oil exists but any engine oil is acceptable.
6. Complete a quick check ensuring the water level cap and safety valve are tight and lube the flywheel with oil.
7. Ignite the fuel on the burner and place under the engine's boiler. Let things warm up and enjoy the show.