Steam engine for Minecart furnace IRL

I really like you solution for the steam generator, I also like your hat

3:33 love the sick vape tricks you’re doing with this one bro

So you've got a great start to your steam engine, however I think you'll need a different kind of boiler for your final product.most importantly, you should have at least 2 safety (pop) valves to prevent your system from overpressurizing the vessel or your piston (one set at your safe operating pressure and the other slightly lower). This is a must for your build no matter if you continue to use the compressed air tank or go with a different design. For one, you do have a very strong container, however it is highly inefficient because the tank has very thick walls, and the internal surface area in contact with the water is quite small, which also hinders heat transfer. Another way to do this is to use a coil of copper tubing in what they call a "water tube type" boiler. The copper is a great thermal conductor and your surface area/volume will maximize the amount of energy that can be transferred to the water. Not only will you be able to build up steam to operating pressure faster, but you'll also get more steam for the amount of fuel you'll use (less tending the fire & more run time for any given amount of fuel). Just note that you'll still use up water at the same rate. Nevertheless, stay safe out there and good luck on the build!

4:57 Big respect for managing to say "To get our steam engine to do the spinny spinny dance" so nonchalantly

Just FYI, with steam, the cooling fins work against you because the steam is condensed and doesn't produce as much pressure lowering your efficiency. But great vid bud!

Maybe an old air compressor would be a good option, you could essentially reverse the whole system and use the tank as the boiler and the compressor as the engine. Air compressors are naturally rated for the heat, due to compressing air, and have lubrication. Imo it would be a great option. Looking forward to seeing how this progresses!

now your going to have to figure out how to build an efficient boiler.

As a steam enthusiast, I love this! However I’d recommend a stronger pressure vessel and definitely a water gauge, as in most steam engines if the water runs dry it may burst due to the heat.

Cool thing man! Just something to add, as a mechanic, one of the most important things we are thaught is, lubrication is essential for a fine working engine. And that is a 2 strokes engine, wich uses oil mixed with fuel to lubricante not only the crankshaft but the piston, wich means that the comb. chamber and the crankshaft chamber are not hermetic like a 4 strokes engine The point is, you should add some sort of lubrication device to extend the lifespan of the engine, and it beeing a 2 strokes makes it much more harder. Greetings, keep beeing cool Apologies for my english.

Gotta admit, I'm very disappointed you didn't say "Today's sponsor is Integza!"

You must need to lubricate the crankshaft So it will maximize the performance

We have 6 months untill he has to make a command block minecart

You will want to mix a little bit of oil into the steam somehow, so you dont get lubrication issues in this 2stroke engine.

Please remove the tap/valve on the cylinder, or put the overpressure safety valve before it. Nothing goes wrong the way you expect it to. Atm nothing is stopping you from heating it with the valve closed. You'd think it's at 0psi, then when you open it your get hit with an engine explodeing at 5000psi.

I think you're going to need a bigger steam engine

Just so entertaining. Never seen a piston working like that. Incredible help in understanding the machines which drive my world!

I would have never thought to change a combustion engine into a steam engine, really cool. Although one small nitpick, the furnace cart doesn't use water so I always guessed it was some form of a stirling engine instead of a steam engine. Anyway I am really exited to see where this project goes next.

Hey just a tip add an oil injector so the bearings don’t lock up

In terms of a boiler, you could look at doing a water-tube boiler. The book "Building the Clishay" has drawings for a water-tube boiler that engine would use. It's meant to drive a 2 cylinder marine engine, which should be similar to your needs. Also, most of the problems you are having are with getting the engine to start. As you're using single action (as you explained), getting to the right starting phase is difficult. A flywheel and a clutch could likely help get the engine running. That or running two of these "Steam engines" out of phase. Last thing to note is its worth looking at boiler code in your state. This is something the Little Amerricka guys could help with. EDIT: I was with a group that tried to put a Little Engines 0-4-0 crab on air by compressor. I see all the compressor comments and really can't recommend that route.... It was noisy and very inefficient. I think there are some videos of that Blue Mountain Crab out there.....

This is something i would like to do, but i don't have the time or money to do it! 😂 Freaking love it bro!