Why run it on steam? It is possible to run IC engines on a wide variety
of fuels, and the results are safer than a homebuilt steam system.

Homemade fuels are low in octane rating, but if the engine is run
appropriately (derated in power, no rapid acceleration, or at worse
extra head gaskets to lower CR) that is not a problem. Fuel can be
derived from coal or wood by destructive distillation. I have seen many
books and articles on how to do this.

Engine can also be run very well on ethanol, which has pretty good
octane. You need to have the 'proof' up there, but not beyond ability
of home stills.


Bob Swinney wrote:

"Would it be possible to convert an internal combustion engine, for example
a VW engine, to run on steam?"

That has been done according to a series in that ran "Live Steam Magazine"
several years ago. I believe it was the Barrett VW. It operated on steam
from a flash-type boiler.

Bob Swinney

"Gunner" wrote in message
...
A thread came up a day or three ago, about building some sort of motor
to run a small generator or a belt to supply power to :stuff: in
either remote locations or in the event of a long term power failure.

A serious question to the group....in your individual opinions, does
anyone have any suggestions for a simply made from common materials,
with minimal machining, steam engine?

Boilers are another issue of course..and suggestions on that would be
nice as well.


Given the numbers of steamers here on RCM, and itinerant inventors,
somebody should have some ideas. Think of it as Junk Yard Wars.....

The only criteria is that it be easy to assemble from common
materials, capable of running an automotive generator (at the least)
and can be done with minimal tools, or simple machine tools. If it can
be scaled up for larger gennys/line shafts, that would be a plus.

Thanks in advance, let the fun begin.

Gunner


"What do you call someone in possesion of all the facts? Paranoid.-William
Burroughs

--
Don Stauffer in Minnesota

webpage- http://www.usfamily.net/web/stauffer