March 26th, 2020

Grout Steam car restoration update

Billings Cooke
It was really a good day in the Cooke garage today. After sitting dormant for almost 25 years Tilly is now showing the first signs of life. With the new pilot tank mounted in place and the feed lines to the pilot all run and pressure checked , I thought it would be nice and light the pilot.
The pilot is burning Coleman fuel and running currently at 20 pounds PSI pressure. After a short preheating. I open the valve allowing the fuel into the pilot. It lit with absolutely no difficulty. It's settled down nicely after getting thoroughly hot. I know that adjustments will need to be made. They will be made at a later date when I'm able to get the car outside.
I've included in this post a photo of
the new pilot tank in position and the burner when viewed from the left side and the right side. Sarah came out and took this short video of what for Tilly is a rebirth. Now if this damn snow would disappear I'd really be happy.