Minh Thanh

Quote from: PaulR
Thank you Dave. I've made a similar piston connection for a steam/air engine before but getting the bottom of the hole flat was an issue as it was too big for a d-bit and I don't have a mill - I think I soldered a flat into a tube in the end. 

  There are two methods: 1) grinding the tool bit; or 2) if the hole is 8 mm, drilling it with an 8 mm drill bit, then regrinding  drill bit to a 0-degree angle and drilling again. (I have used both methods; the choice depends on the diameter of the hole.)

Quote from: PaulRMinh Thanh, yes, this a very ugly machine like most of my other builds but I'm not too bothered about looks..

  Your engine is very well built and performs significantly better than my  first engines.

Quote from: Admiral_dkBeautiful work - the parts look really great 

Per   

Thank you !
I'm trying to push the injector diameter to the smallest possible limit (It must be smaller than 0.5mm.) or the smallest possible outlet port - less than 0.1 mm.

Quote from: PaulRThanks chaps. Next one will be basically the same engine but with slightly different proportions (SV ratio nearer to 2.0) and a few other changes: slotted piston, displacer cylinder without projection beyond flange and therefore simpler construction of it and the frame, displacer with screw-in end caps, single bearing standard with ball races, power piston hooked up to flywheel rather than separate crank, cooling fins rather than water cooling. I've made a start on the plans 

Hi !
Make it better, make it look nicer... but keep in mind the temperature differential between the hot and cold zones.
- All the experience you gain will prove useful for your future  flame eater  project.
Dave’s method for making the piston is a good choice (I’ve done it myself).
Perhaps designing, building, and getting a Stirling engine to run has now become simpler for you.

Hi !
Those  knocking sounds originate from components where we’ve tried to reduce friction—the tolerances between shafts and bearings are slightly larger, and the joints are a bit looser—which can occasionally lead to impacts or vibrations.
You might consider using small ball bearings for the crankshaft or connecting rod (just remember to remove any grease from the bearings if you decide to use them , For small bearings, the outer ring is quite delicate, so a snug fit in the housing is sufficient—you can use adhesive to secure it in place if necessary.).
Perhaps it would be worth building another engine use small bearings—  with cooling fins !?
In any case, the engine runs well.