I have several late 60's Mantua made steamers that tend to work the screws out of the drivers, if run for a while. the 2-8-2 Mikado seems to be the worst, followed by the 4-6-2 Pacific. Will it do any harm/good to add some thread lock to the screws? Or is it time to find some new ones? Anyone go an idea as to what size they may be? Thanks Shaummy
I have that same problem on some of my own Mantuas, even with brand new drivers and bolts, and I haven't got around to fixing it yet. I have been thinking about putting a little gloss paint, nailpolish, or superglue in the driver hole, and keeping the bolts in that way. If you need new screws/rods/drivers, Mantua has replacment parts for a fee, I am currently waiting for a large shipment Go to their website (Go to Mamma.com, search for mantua, it should come up). Any one out there have a sure fire way to solve this? Watash?
From experience with lots of brass engines, take a toothpick, and put a daub of 'locktight' on it, then put that on the threads of the screw and insert it. It can be removed by a screwdriver but it won't work loose by itself. LOL hope this helps.
Hey guys, Chris has the correct answer! Do not use super glue, unless you intend to give that engine to me for scrap afterwards! The screw will not come out without major Terminal Roundhouse workshop equipment! The Mantua screws are supposed to be a shouldered screw that is supposed to screw up tight against the shoulder. How some ever, many times, people torque these screws too tight, and it embeds the shoulder into the soft plastic on todays's drivers, making the screw bind on the side rod. So, people back the screw out a quarter turn, and call it good. When you get it, it is already needing serious repair. It can be done, but is expensive. Be Ware, and careful!
Watash is correct except for one thing. if you use super glue, send it to me. I have the tools necesary to take to screws out. It will cost you the engine tho.
NO NO NO Send it to ME, I'll keep the dead engine, BUT I"LL SEND YOU A BRAND NEW TUBE OF SOOPERDOOPER GLOO!! FREE! POST PAID! (I'm poor and stingy)
Heh heh heh Thanks for the offerings; However I won't take the invitation. If I ever get anything stuck or broken off in one of these drivers, I will mail Mantua a little bit of duh and they will send me new parts, and tehn I wil try to figure it all out again. No, I have never superglued a screw in a drivewheel, perhaps because I have been wondering if there is a better way, which there turns out to be. Two quickies: First, where can I get the locktight and what is the brand name?(something tells me just like it's spelled at a local hobby store). Finally, would your super glue by any chance come in a purple label, one oz bottle, Cyanoacrylate, bonds everything in minute and fingers in milliseconds, by name of Insta-cure? Only ask the last one because I have had two people say it is that exact same stuff they get in chicago. Later and GOOD NIGHT!!!!
Yep, same stuff Benny. It was Eastman 910 when developed during WWII. You can get LOC-TITE in different grades at any auto parts store, and most hardware stores too. HOT boiling water will degrade the CA glues in an emergency. (Hard on the fingers though) It is also instant bond for rubber. I have made drive belts with it. Enjoy
Finger nail polish remover will soften up super glue. Watash. What is that chemical that is used in finger nail polish remover? I forgot. Something that starts with A or something. Anyway, the shaft on my turntable broke and I used super glue on it and it worked. Also I got super glue on the brass rings which kept electricity from getting to the tracks so used my wifes finger nail polish remover with a Q tip and it worked.
The "A" stands for acetone Dick. It can be found in large containers at fibre glass suppliers. It is used to clean tools used in fibre glassing. I used a lot of it when I built my sailboat.
Thanks Robin I remembered the name acetone in of all places in church this morning. Great stuff for cleaning but rough on the hands and fingers
I use Testors Gloss Silver Paint on my drive wheel bolts. And I haven't had any turn lose since. That may be the answer to your problem.
