Pulling a cold engine

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Emfinger
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:30 pm
Location: Yucca Valley, CA

Pulling a cold engine

Post by Emfinger »

Hello all, I keep hearing differnt stories. My question is where should the johnson lever be when towing a cold engine?
Thank you
Tom
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cbrew
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Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2003 12:17 pm
Location: Vancouver Wa

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by cbrew »

I always will put the bar full corner in the direction being towed.
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
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cbrew
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Location: Vancouver Wa

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by cbrew »

that said, if the cocks can be opened with out getting sucked closed. it should not make a difference.
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
Mike Walsh
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Location: St. Louis, MO

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by Mike Walsh »

Make sure your axle pump is in 100% bypass... Been there, done that. Got the "OMG!" when the guy towing the engine back to the bay started seeing water spurt out of the safety valves. "Ope... Let's open that bypass!"
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cbrew
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Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by cbrew »

Mike Walsh wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 11:09 am Make sure your axle pump is in 100% bypass... Been there, done that. Got the "OMG!" when the guy towing the engine back to the bay started seeing water spurt out of the safety valves. "Ope... Let's open that bypass!"
self hydro i see :)
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
Emfinger
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:30 pm
Location: Yucca Valley, CA

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by Emfinger »

OK, but if the JB is in the center are both ends of the cylinder connected to the exhust port?
Pontiacguy1
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Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:15 am
Location: Tennessee, USA

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

No, all the ports should be covered if the Johnson bar is in the middle. Easiest way is like Cbrew said: Johnson bar in full gear in the direction it is being towed, axle pump off, brakes off, and cylinder cocks open if possible. Moving a dead steam engine presents a tremendous drag, so don't be surprised if it is still pretty hard to tow.
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PeterCraymer
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Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2003 6:57 am
Location: Maysville, Ga.

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by PeterCraymer »

Rod engines can be tough, but try to move a Shay by hand! That will wear you out if there is any significant distance to cover!

I try to keep the reverser in the direction of travel, cyl. cocks open etc. makes it much easier.
timmy wheeler
Posts: 237
Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:21 pm
Location: So. California

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by timmy wheeler »

This post got me thinking........how do you keep the cylinders lubricated? Do you need to make any modifications to other lubrication points, or change what you are using as a lubricant?

Timmy
illigitimi non carborundum
Emfinger
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:30 pm
Location: Yucca Valley, CA

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by Emfinger »

I must have a problem, no matter where I place the reversing lever the engine rolls very freely..no drag.
I have auto cocks, are they breathing?
Emfinger
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Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2019 3:30 pm
Location: Yucca Valley, CA

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by Emfinger »

I just added pictures of my hydrostatic oiler.
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cbrew
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Location: Vancouver Wa

Re: Pulling a cold engine

Post by cbrew »

timmy wheeler wrote: Thu Jun 11, 2020 10:52 am This post got me thinking........how do you keep the cylinders lubricated? Do you need to make any modifications to other lubrication points, or change what you are using as a lubricant?

Timmy
as slimy as mine equipment is inside the cylinders, i can flat tow it a long ways before i have to worry about oil in the cylinders
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
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