Tips and Tricks / FAQ

The burner slide cannot be released

For safety reasons, the burner slide guide is mounted in such a way that it can only be inserted against slight resistance and thus cannot slip out. Please always pull the burner slide out of the burner guide while it is still warm and place it on a fireproof surface to prevent fuel residue from sticking. Do not pull burner slides that have cooled down in the guide with force, but loosen them gently by gently tilting them. We also recommend using Wilesco steam engines exclusively with our
Witabs solid fuel. Steam engines fired solely with Witabs do not experience the problem of a sticking burner slide!

Gas cannot be filled into the D48 model

The design of the Euro filling valve has changed over time. Please try gently pressing in the tip of the filling tube on the gas ampoule with a pair of flat-nose pliers. We've had good results with this approach so far.

Stuck piston

The piston has probably not been oiled properly. We recommend using only
You can lubricate the piston with Wilesco steam engine oil or viscous HD30 or HD40 engine oil. You can try using graphite oil to smooth the piston. Afterwards, all traces of graphite oil should be meticulously removed.

Drive spirals do not remain connected to each other

As shown in the diagram, first turn the drive coils back approximately 3-6 turns to the left so that the coil itself remains slack; then turn the pointed end approximately 3-6 turns to the right into the other end so that the coils mesh.

We recommend that you apply slight tension to the drive spirals and, if necessary, use spirals No. 00825 with a diameter of 2.5 mm.

The spirals for the centrifugal governor (1 bag = 5 pieces) have the order number 01621.

Recommendation: You can also shorten other drive spirals at the blunt end to the appropriate length.

Remedy for a leaky boiler

A boiler can become leaky if it is heated with too little water. Therefore, we specifically point out in our operating instructions that the water level must always be visible at least at the bottom of the sight glass to ensure the minimum water level. We also recommend adding water when adding Witabs as a precaution. Failure to do so can cause the solder joints to liquefy, causing the boiler to leak. Unfortunately, the solder joints cannot be repaired; the entire boiler must be replaced. Should leaks occur in the boiler from which water or steam escapes, the steam engine must be shut down immediately (remove the burner slide and press the steam whistle). Any necessary repairs may only be carried out by a specialist or by the manufacturer WILESCO.

Replacing the plastic lever

When installing the plastic lever, moisten it slightly and push it into the hole while rotating it until it stops. Any broken off piece will be automatically pushed out.

Due to the very tight tolerances, the lever may sit relatively tight upon first use, but experience shows that this will normalize with continued use.

Oil in the boiler

Please note that according to the operating instructions, the steam shut-off valve must be closed when oiling.

Oil in the boiler probably cannot be completely removed. This does not affect safety.

You can try filling the boiler with water and dishwashing liquid (never use vinegar or other highly corrosive agents) while the shut-off valve is closed.

Let this mixture work for a while, shake, and let it drain. Repeat the process several times.

Important: Before restarting the boiler, there must be no detergent residue in the boiler, otherwise the piston will be destroyed!