Using o rings

Dad's Virginia was fitted with silicone O rings on the pistons. (Gunmetal/Superheater and Cyl oil as you describe .) The engine was completed in 1971 and used until about '78. I put it back into service

I have looked at O ring data on the net in the recent past and noticed that the fluoro polymer (Viton) rings look better suited to the temperature/conditions described. Here is a link to look for yourself

Steve (Sheffield)

I'm not a steamer, but I learned that they all prefer the Viton rings.

Nick

In article , Steve writes

Steve, please don't top post, it makes it difficult to follow the discussion of it gets complicated.

From what I have seen and am told, Viton works well in IC engines, and will stand very high compression forces. I have never used it in steam engines, but from the (very useful) web site you quoted it would seem to be about the worst choice for steam.

David

I used silicone for years at 220 deg C in molten epoxy. Good stuff. Viton is good for some things, don't use around bases. EPDM is good for steam, bases, not many hydrocarbons. The best refererence I have for o-rings is now available on the web,

Pete Keillor

Thanks guys I owe you one. My father in law is not computer literate and uses me as his research tool. :o) I don't think I would of found it on my own. Ikie