Can't keep the fire burning.

[Greysquirrel]

The fuel in the firebox of my Heritage steam engine won't stay lit.
I doubled the firebox size as Steve suggested and made sure all the air holes are clear, the stack is clear but it only burns for about 3-4 minutes before it goes out. acts like it is not getting enough air. When it burns long enough to get up steam the engine fires up and chugs along OK but then the fire will go out again. I put new fuel in but the same thing happens. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Kmot]

I doubled the cup size also, but I also drilled extra holes in the skirt around the boiler.

Have you tried keeping it lit in a no wind area? Mine will blow out if it is too windy.

I have also noticed that if the fuel is too liquid, it will not burn as well as when it is mostly the gel.

Is your boiler all the way up as much as shown in the directions? It should be just coming out the top of the shroud to allow enough air space below.

[der kapitan]

My wife complains that I can't keep the fire burning too---. :o

Maybe increase the boiler size---? :p

:D

[Greysquirrel]

I doubled the cup size also, but I also drilled extra holes in the skirt around the boiler.

Have you tried keeping it lit in a no wind area? Mine will blow out if it is too windy.

I have also noticed that if the fuel is too liquid, it will not burn as well as when it is mostly the gel.

Is your boiler all the way up as much as shown in the directions? It should be just coming out the top of the shroud to allow enough air space below.

Thanks Kmot, drilled extra holes, stirred up the Sterno and put all new into firebox and it came up to stream in 6 min and has been running for 21 min. so I guess I'm good to go.
Thanks again Kmot I really appreciate the help.

[Kmot]

Awesome! :D

[norgale]

Now that's the kinda stuff this forum is good at. Way to go Tom. I gotta try a steam engine sometime. Pete