Märklin 1930's stationery steam plant

[Bob Wieking]

Just inherited a Märklin Steam plant. NONE of the valve handles will turn. Have tried heat, penetrating oils, acetone/trans fluid combination.

How does one locate operable valves that look like the Märklin ones? Or do you just cob in some that are "close"?

Recommendations for purchasing reasonable-priced valves, whistles, etc?
Bob in Ellensburghttp://www.smokstak.com/forum/images...onk.gif:crazy:

[Jasper Odell]

Do you have any pics of those valves?

Don't give up yet on trying to unstick them. Mostly brass/bronzes/coppers get corroded from mineral deposits in the water that was used, or even old oils used to lube the valves. Those often need a series of operations to get unstuck.

Have you tried soaking one (just as an example) in strong vinegar first (or CLR, or Diet Coca-Cola) , then rinse with H20:>>>

THEN try using mild heat (hairdryer, heat gun, etc) to get it mildly hot (not hot enough to de-solder or burn, just hot enough to be barely, maybe a tad beyond touchable!!), THEN rapidly drop it in cold penetrating oil (like Kroil)?
Heat again, then quickly drop the valve on an ice cube.
Heat again, spray on Kroil, THEN while still warm and oily use a small lever (long rod, whatever) to gently try and turn the valve ONLY 1/8th to 1/16th turn back and forth. Micro-wiggle is the goal.
If it wiggles it will free-up.

[Alan R]

Bob, are the valves on or off the engine? If off, try soaking with penetrant from the inside. Fill the tube and allow to sit. Usually, given time they will begin to turn just a bit. Then as Jasper says take your time. Heat for me is a last resort. I'm too impatient and ruin things that way.

You may be able to buy others, but they will not be original. You get two extra points for "all original".
Alan