Here's an e-mail I received from Gary Nelson in Oct 2014. Since I am not a builder (I am a database programmer/analyst by trade), I asked Dana Hall, an expert builder in Florida, if he could help Gary out:
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Allen,
I built a Beamer engine a few years ago and couldn't get it to run more than a few minutes. I recently tackled it again by making new flywheel out of aluminum with a brass outside ring about 3/8 thick thinking with more mass on the outside of the flywheel I would get better action. It didn't help. I am using the JEH mini propane burner as a heat source. When cold the engine is very free wheeling. How much temperature difference should there be between the stainless cap and the back of the cylinder to keep it running. I am using an infrared thermometer to check temperatures of the cap and the cylinder. Without the fan belt attached it will run when the cap reaches about 100 deg. and the cylinder is 70 degrees. It runs for about five minutes and then slowly stops as the cylinder heats up to about 75 deg.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary Nelson
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Hello Gary...
Dana Hall here in central florida...
I built Jerry's Beamer engine several years ago now and here is what I have found with regards to Stirling engines...
In Jerry's notes under Stirling engines, there are only 3 things that can keep a Stirling engine from running properly...
1. The cylinders must be air tight with no air leaks...
2. Excessive friction will stop a Stirling engine from running...
3. The timing of the displacer piston with regards to the power piston movement must be correct...
When I built Jerry's Mizer engine I had a problem getting it to run properly until I removed an air leak that I had on the engine... After that everything was fine... But it took time to find it... Stirling engines produce very little power,so everything has to be just right...
I never measured the temperature differences from one end to the other,,, But with the fan running on the Beamer engine, that should help to keep the engine running for quite some time...
I also found that it takes a very small flame to get the engine to run... Sometimes too large or too hot of a flame is detrimental and ends up heating both ends of the engine... Also the use of stainless steal at the heating end is quite important... Stainless steal does not allow the transmission of heat to other parts of the engine...
Not sure if any of what I have said here will help you, but don't give up on the engine... The Beamer engine with all the bearings in it is a really beautiful smooth running engine...
Any other questions yo may have, please ask...
Dana Hall in Florida
