The Steamboating Forum

This is a very interesting topic especially as we are condensing, and I am in the process of retubing our boiler including getting all the oily mess out!

Our working pressure is 200psi (14bar) at which point saturated steam is 385°F (198°C) so a little higher than the temps mentioned above, but without any superheat still fairly wet hopefully. [ 330°F is 165°C , 580°F is 300°C ]

At very least I think I am going to dial the rate on the cylinder lube mechanical lubricator right right back to almost nothing. But I am half tempt to just disconnect it completely and switch over to a decent manually applied squirt twice a day. Plus a dab on the cylinder and valve rods.

The engine is a 'large Leak' 4.5"+7.5"x4" running around 250rpm.
HP cylinder is a piston valve, LP is a slide valve. Condensing.

Any thoughts on that as a plan?

With saturated steam, very little oil is needed during operation; of course, during layup the cylinders, valves, etc. need to be well oiled to prevent rusting. Since you're condensing, a non-compounded oil is much easier to remove from condensate. Phillips STEAVAL D-150 is likely suitable.

Yes, we are already using a non-compounded oil. Hallett Oils 460 grade.