to line or not?

[stirling lad]

Hi gents,, I'm  writing to ask you guys what I should do with this cylinder and piston next? both are cast iron which I'm told is an excellent self lubricator, but from build logs I've read about flame-licker engines I'm concerned that rust might be a problem,,,
it's for a Heinrici hot air engine. So, my question is am I better to line the cylinder with a stainless steel tube or am I over thinking this??
,,,mike...
   

[appletree]

With flame licker engines the issue is the condensation from the flame entering the engine as it is not a closed cycle like the Stirling. I would have thought cast iron mould be fine, out of interest what engine is it, is it a kit?

[stirling lad]

Its a casting set for a Heinricci water cooled hot air engine, an ET Westbury design,But it appears to be close to one of the old original German ones...

theres  photos of a finished one here,, I have no link whatsoever  with stationroadsteam, it was the first photos I could find of a completed one thats all.

 http://www.stationroadsteam.co.uk/stock%20pages/3690/index.htm

[modelman1938]

I have built a number of stirling engines all with either mild steel or cast iron cylinders, and all with cast iron pistons and have never had a problem. On the other hand I have just built a flame licker with similar materials, ran it for a few minutes, left it for an hour and it went solid. You should be OK.

Hugh

[stirling lad]

Thanks for all your advice guys,, I was a bit wary about committing to one way or tuther...

...mike..