I was looking around on youtube and found this video showing how easy it was to convert a 2-stroke weed whacker. I'm sure many of you are experts on converting engines, but I didn't have any interest in using converted engines until seeing this video. Using a solenoid valve, a magnet, a battery, a reed switch, and a free weed whacker from the dump I could make an engine that could easily power a steam bike. By using multiple magnets and reed switch circuits could adjust the cutoff.
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It does point out that solenoid may not last long, but you don't need any mechanical linkage for cutoff or valving.
For a car using a model t distributor you could use multiple cylinders and a battery you could use a spark advance to adjust the cutoff and the speed somewhat. I know it probably isn't that easy, but seems like a good solution to making a homemade steam vehicle
Also, this engine may not be self starting even with several cylinders, if it's like IC engines where you need to rotate the engine to cause the first solenoid to actuate and the system to start moving on its own and in a car a way to idle may be necessary.
What is everyone's thoughts on this.
Robert Hopkins
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/06/2010 01:15AM by Stanleyguy101.