1953 Mamod SE2 Restoration. First run on steam

This 1953 was purchased for little money. It had a horrible "repair" to the steam pipe which needed undoing. I have not touched the rest of the engine - as you can see! I need to sort out the leaking safety valve, fit a softer spring to the pinion, and replace the missing felt pad from behind the port face. Other than that, all is good :)

[@astravanmk2]

Runs well that John

[@andrewbayliss5421]

I have the same engine which was in a similar condition as yours, after careful restoration it still won't start up. Pressure is good. The piston is pitted could this be the problem?

[@JohnnySteam]

If you cover the port plate holes with your finger and then push or pull the piston there should be a noticeable vacuum. If there isn't you need a new piston. You could try a thick steam oil to provide a seal but it won't allow the engine to run for long. I assume you have steam at the piston and the exhaust pipe is not blocked?

[@andrewbayliss5421]

@@JohnnySteam there is steam going into the piston and steam being exhausted into the chimney. I do have video.

[@JohnnySteam]

@@andrewbayliss5421 Good if you have steam. One suggestion would be to turn the piston through 180°. That can solve non-running issues.