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During the winter of 2003 work was carried out on the connecting rods and top end of the engine.
For the first time since being in preservation the cylinder heads and pistons were removed. Apart from cleaning to ensure the piston rings were free and able to perform their designed funtion, all was found in good order.
The objective of this work was to remove the connecting rods for machining to eliminate surface pitting.
The pitting was allowing steam to blow by the seals. Apart from the loss of power the condensing steam effectively washed away the lubricating oil from the machinery below. After being flung around the engine room the oily water mixture then found its way to the bilge to pose a disposal problem.
The skimmed rods and associated undersize seals have been a complete success, reducing the amout of oiling necessary.
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