Wierd strange mystery disk??? This one is a challenge!

[Breezie]

Okay, ya'll, this one is a challenge. I found this disk today, which appears to be made out of LEAD. It has a reddish thin bakelite looking flat disk on the inside with a SPRING behind it. There are NO threads, so it doesn't screw into anything. It is 3/4 inch in diameter. Also in the same area, I found a Waterbury CW Eagle Button, a Zouave Eagle button, a Lead Cloth Bail Seal, and some other goodies. All items were within 6 feet of each other. Any ideas on this strange disk Thanks in advance, Breezie

 

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[intimer]

my best thought is a lens to a lantern or sign. but the spring?

this is kind of 'new find' that i think will not be id'd but 't net' has proven me wrong time and time again.

 

[Tony in SC]

It is a check valve. I don't for what?? Tony

 

[Breezie]

When I use a toothpick and press on the reddish center disk, it moves about a 1/16" of an inch, but this disk does not close-up the 3 opening holes. Actually, it does close up anything. If it is some type of check valve, it would not be very effective. Also, there are no threads, so how would it attach? Thanks, Breezie

 

[EdleBrock]

Looks a lot like an automobile engine thermostat. But the bakelite and lead might preclude that possibility.

 

[Breezie]

I think it may be normally closed, the spring holds it closed and pressure pushes it open.
does it provide an opening through the holes when you push up?

Also, it may have been pressed or "peened" onto the device, which would explain the slight lip on the inside of the bottom part.

Yes, I think you're right. It is in the closed position, and pressing on the reddish disk opens it. I also think you're right about it being used with steam. My only reserve is its size; it doesn't look like it would be very effective.

 

[trikikiwi]

"Applications include liquids, gases and vapours. Functions as gravity check, vacuum breaker, breather, pressure-maintaining valve, foot valve, and check valve".

and from the same site;
a modern version




http://www.marlborough-eng.com/valves.php

Mike

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Looks a lot like an automobile engine thermostat. But the bakelite and lead might preclude that possibility.

Thats what I was going to say... thermostat. The three openings are for better water flow. The seal is on the bottom.

You can test this by putting it in a pot of boiling water and see if it opens. It should open somewhere between 145-195 F.

We need an old car mechanic. Could be an antique tractor. Any watercooled engine. I cant find a matching pic.

 

[Breezie]

Thats what I was going to say... thermostat. The three openings are for better water flow. The seal is on the bottom.

You can test this by putting it in a pot of boiling water and see if it opens. It should open somewhere between 145-195 F.

We need an old car mechanic. Could be an antique tractor. Any watercooled engine. I cant find a matching pic.

It's not a car thermostat. I've had antique/classic cars for years, and never saw anything like this on one of them. I do, however think it is some type of check valve, but not antique automotive. Rando is 'on,' now we need to figure out 'what' it checked. Thanks, Breezie PS: Our '54 Chevy BelAir is for sale if anyone is interested; lol.

 

[vayank54]

About the Zoave Eagle button. Did you mean a ball type button with an eagle?? If so that's a West Point Cadet button. Mid 1820's or so. Can you post a pic?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Thats what I was going to say... thermostat. The three openings are for better water flow. The seal is on the bottom.

You can test this by putting it in a pot of boiling water and see if it opens. It should open somewhere between 145-195 F.

We need an old car mechanic. Could be an antique tractor. Any watercooled engine. I cant find a matching pic.

It's not a car thermostat. I've had antique/classic cars for years, and never saw anything like this on one of them.

You changed thermostats and worked on them yourself? Just asking. You cannot see it as it is inside the gooseneck.

It could be a check valve I guess if it open very easily. Maybe its for a water pump. I still say water related.

 

[Breezie]

vayank, I hope you can id this button; it's not in great shape, but doesn't look as bad in person as the photo. At the bottom of the button are some letters that 'look' like EXOFTBICO. Thanks, Breezie

 

[Breezie]

Here's a pic of the Eagle button marked Waterbury Button Co. It was found very near by the Zoave button. Because it had been crushed, the back was unattached, but still with the top. Mmm, I think I've hijacked my own post; lol

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

vayank, I hope you can id this button; it's not in great shape, but doesn't look as bad in person as the photo. At the bottom of the button are some letters that 'look' like EXOFTBICO. Thanks, Breezie

Could it say EXCELSIOR? Looks like a New York Civil War Officer button. But Im not positive. Hard to see. http://www.jewish-history.com/clipartgallery/buttons.html

http://www.civilwaroutpost.com/43.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Here's a pic of the Eagle button marked Waterbury Button Co. It was found very near by the Zoave button. Because it had been crushed, the back was unattached, but still with the top. Mmm, I think I've hijacked my own post; lol

also Civil War.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Looks a lot like an automobile engine thermostat. But the bakelite and lead might preclude that possibility.

Thats what I was going to say... thermostat. The three openings are for better water flow. The seal is on the bottom.

You can test this by putting it in a pot of boiling water and see if it opens. It should open somewhere between 145-195 F.

We need an old car mechanic. Could be an antique tractor. Any watercooled engine. I cant find a matching pic.

I see what you are saying, but an automotive thermostat functions differently. It contains a wax compound inside of the copper or brass cylinder that keeps the spring in a closed position, when the temperature is reached, it allows the wax to flow freely, opening the valve. This (OPs device)is designed to be opened by simple pressure pushing against the spring, so it is most likely either steam or air related.

Im changing my mind. I think its a one-way valve, like you mentioned, if its real easy to push open... but for water. (a thermostat would not be so easy to push open) Plus I just realized it doesnt have a sensor lol. ...I didnt realize they had wax inside. One-way water valve is my guess.

 

[cheese]

Kohler engine fuel pump check valve. I've seen and cleaned many of them. Part of kit number 230675s. It just snaps into place in the fuel pump housing. This is a crappy pic, but it was all I could find online. I have some in the shop I can take a pic of later if needed. There are two shown just under the pump diaphragm in this pic. One to let fuel enter the pump chamber but not escape back to the tank when the pump pressurizes, and one to let fuel exit the pump chamber and not let fuel be drawn back away from the carb when the pump sucks back in.

 

[AU24K]

Possibly a pressure relief valve for an inside steam radiator?

Scott

 

[doublet2a]

The first item is a diesel engine air pump check valve.
I worked on V.W. and Mercedes Benz for over 40 years.
There were 2 of these valves inside the air pump.
Each mounted in opposite directions.
These were the early type of pumps used from 1979 - 1990 or so.
They use vein type pumps now.
I'll see if I can find a pic

Tim

 

[Breezie]

Mystery Solved (I think): I went back to the same yard/area this morning (the rain ran me in early) and found the head to an old LAWN SPRINKLER SYSTEM. Although the head looked like it had been sat on by an elephant, I could still tell the valve would fit it. Thanks ya'll for the help. Happy Halloween, Breezie