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older Stirling engine model

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:42 pm
by friedfox
I have an older Stirling that belonged to my husband who passed away
some time back and I'm going to send this to my oldest grandson. It
is approx 4 X 7 3/4. The only markings are what is molded on the
underside of the base which says" Solar Engine, Phoenix AZ" I also
have a brochure which shows this model on the back page, but no
model number. It has two red flywheels and chassis mounted on a
green base. The brochure says it is the first in a series of six
different desk-top hot air engines, and runs at speeds in excess of
1000RPM. The accompanying information I have is two separate order
forms, both for Solar Engines. One with a McDowell road address, and
another on with a West Indian School Road address. What I'd like to
know is#-does it run ONLY on denatured alcohol? It seems to me that
he said that was the only alcohol to be used. Thanks to anyone who
can help#-it's 30 years old, at least!
Helen

Response to older Stirling engine model

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:11 pm
by sgraehl
I believe you can run it on rubbing alcohol too but the flame may not be as hot. It would probably perform best on denatured or Methylated spirits. I have an engine like you describe and I usually use one of those small butane torches to run it but it mostly just sits on a shelf as a display. It's worth about 100.00 US and is still pretty available even as old as your is.

If you don't have the owner's manual I've read the compamy below will send you one if you write them. Also note that you should not oil it with anything other than powdered graphite. (hardware store, stuff to lubricate locks)

Manufactures web site. http://pmresearchinc.org/solar001.htm

Here is one running:
http://vader.inow.com/~drbob/temp/engine/engine.mp4


Response to older Stirling engine model

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:53 pm
by stan.hornbaker
Your "Solar One" is an antique. Replicas are currently available from PM Research, It currently sells for $125. An alcohol burner $15.50.

The proper and only recommended fuels are denatured alcohol and fuel pellets made for the engine and small camp stoves.
Nesbit 20 tablets,$4. You can buy denatured alcohol at paint and big box home supply stores in quarts and gallon cans which is a convenient alternatife. Rubbing alcohol does not have adequate heat value for satisfactory performance.

Response to older Stirling engine model

Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:32 pm
by longboy4
You can run these motors on rubbing achohol from your favorite drug store. Use the 70% variety as 50% is too hard to light and the 91% will smoke some.

Response to older Stirling engine model

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:14 am
by stan.hornbaker
The preferred fuel for these model engine is denatured alcohol as recommended earlier. About $5/Qt. at the big box tool and hardware or paint stores.

Far superior to the rubbing alcohols as it is smoke free and a higher heating value.

5 bucks!

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:20 pm
by longboy4
Overpriced for purpose.......rubing alcohol is denatured alcohol and more economical to use. $1.89/qt.