How to Modify Lego Pneumatic Cylinders + Comparison - Airflow Increase - Ultimate LPE Guide EP1

Ultimate LPE Guide - Episode 1
➤ Modified Pneumatic Parts now Available to Buy on my Store - www.greengeckoworkshop.com/
Playlist - • Ultimate LPE Guide
➤ Buy a BuWizz 2.0 Here - buwizz.com/?ref=10&campaign=G...
➤ Videos of my LPE's using Modifed Pneumatic Switches and Cylinders (Playlist) - • Lego Pneumatic Engines...
If you Ruin, Destroy or Damage your LEGO Pneumatic Parts, I will not be held responsible. MOD at your own risk. If you follow my Guide correctly and take your time, you should have no problems and your LPE will run Better than ever before.
#GreenGecko #UltimateLPEGuide

[@MaxBrix]

45 years of playing with Lego, just got my first pneumatic cylinders. Thanks! Glad I saw this!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Glad I could help!

[@matthewlim-dot-ml]

This is one of the most comprehensive guides i've seen for LPE powertrain systems! Keep up the awesome work buddy!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks

[@legotechnicmastery]

I've been waiting for This ! Exceptionnal Tutorial ! Thank you Gecko

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you

[@jackjorgensen1440]

Subbed to both your channels. Love your work!

[@greghornbeck4908]

This is one of the best tutorials I’ve seen on modified cylinders I did it and it works great

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

My new Flat 6 Boxer LPE is coming out very soon, you can see the RPM test in this video. Stay Tuned for Episode 2 of the Ultimate LPE Guide, i will be modding the new 2018 Pneumatic Switches!

[@ato.b7214]

please put that boxer 6 lpe in a porsche 911!!!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

that is why i built it, stay tuned for a LPE powered 911

[@unitedtechnology1424]

will the new switch be easier to mod?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I don't know yet

[@superbaldi1260]

why do my modded ones not work while i did the correct drilling bit? and i used a oil that's used for food it works with a new bigger pump. 1 pump and the cylinder goes up!

[@ProfessorGears_LT]

Green Gecko I absolutely love your videos,you have inspired me so much it's hard to imagine.The creativity and quality you have always puts a smile on my face thank you and please keep up the good work! :)

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you

[@ProfessorGears_LT]

No, thank you :)

[@unitedtechnology1424]

i ve being waiting for this for several weeks!! your videos do attract me a lot :)

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks

[@Nico71Fr]

Nice ! I wait for the swich because I never succeded to modify it without broken parts !

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you, if you modify the switches with the clicked in backs it is much easier.

[@Arthur00OO892]

Just modified mine, thank you!!!

[@babylonianhell306]

Works awesome. .. .I made it to...thanks man...

[@TornetLegoRCTechnicBuilder]

Very helpful!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks

[@joeylol786]

Awesome video!! I almost have my V8 engine that’s I have been working on. I just need to successfully modify those pesky switches. I keep breaking them 😆. These videos have been a huge help

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you

[@cripplekid0902]

Joey Lol haha I hate modifying switches😭😭😭

[@nedcrawshaw1868]

Keep it up dude👍🏼

[@nedcrawshaw1868]

I think your edits just keep getting better

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you

[@bittheproto8358]

I absolutely love the sound of the modified one. Ima try to get 4 and make their holes 1-1/4 and make a jumping rc independent suspension car with buwizz

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Sounds interesting...

[@aksux]

Thanks

[@melody3741]

Please make more of these!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Sure will, a new video is coming out in a few hours

[@superdupergrover9857]

Any commonly available _silicone_ spay will be safe for plastics. Silicone oil/grease ,for all anyone cares, is chemically inert. Dielectric grease and brake grease (but NOT wheel bearing grease) are safe as well, they are both designed for compatibility with a wide variety of plastics and rubbers. Dielectric grease is just thickened silicone oil, brake grease is similar but also has other additives for better lubrication performance.

[@Brickotastic]

So nice, can you make a tutorial how much pressure it needs? I want to build an unmodified with an 100% Lego compressor

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks, Great idea. i'll do it in a future episode.

[@smallenginesgarage7168]

Will the 1.9 drill bit destroy the ports or will they be strong enough?

[@TW39]

Do u have to block the inlet port on the air pump because only seen 1 hose coming from the box where the air pump is

[@pyropixel354]

Hey, your LPEs are awesome, but I have one question, would you recommend buying a 12v car tyre compressor, a mains to 12v socket adapter so I can run LPEs on 230v for testing? Thanks

[@protheon]

Remember to use a sufficiently strong power source! If you use the 1A 12V power supply, the compressor will not turn on! You need around 10 amperes to turn on the car tire compressor

[@xxxcaliburfan]

I wonder, how do you come up with these things?

[@tomsko863]

Great job man. Do you know the original hole size? I want to calculate the change in flow rate between the two designs, which will in turn deplete the tank at different rates. Lego chose to constrict the valves in order to have a longer life with their small tanks. One thing to note for everyone, notice in the video at 1:30 and 2:00 how the RPM's start dropping. As the system runs, it loses pressure and will steadily slow down.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thank you, i will cover this in a Future episode of this series. The reason why LEGO constrict the valves and cylinders, is so that they are more controllable for use in a digger, crane or anything other then LPE's. When you mod the cylinders they become very responsive, they don't use any more air than before for the same RPM. The RPM's drop because my air tank is dropping in pressure.

[@stas_robotmaker]

An awesome modification, far better than slow linear actuators. I have a question: can two 2x11 modded cylinders, with an air tank and around 50 psi, lift 1kg of weight? If yes, how quickly? That's because I consider building an EV3 battle robot that can flip other robots with a pneumatic flipper.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Hi, Yes two Modified 2x11 Cylinders will easily lift 1KG of weight at 50 psi. Soon as you apply the 50psi to the cylinder it will shoot the weight up into the air. The Modified Cylinders are designed to have Fast Action for Lego Pneumatic Engines, so for a EV3 Battle Robot it will work Perfect to Flip other Robots. I would also recommend 2m Pneumatic Tubing and Modified Pneumatic Switch, you can find it on my Store, you will need the Modified Pneumatic Switch to make it very fast. Here is the Modified 2x11 Cylinder on my Store: www.greengeckoworkshop.com/pneumatic-parts/. If you need any help, please email me at [e-mail]

[@Icys_engines]

Is it fine to use a 2mm drill bit

[@valdenm]

Works perfectly with 1.5 mm for large cylinders!

[@ichosolemanuel6048]

Didnt he say 1.7mm?

[@hunter7476]

cool but i have 2 big cylinders and no old gray switch thank you you are one of my favourite utuber

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks

[@lisagrillo3985]

I guess I have to get 1/16 inch for small cylinders

[@jesuswong1936]

where can buy this part

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Modified Pneumatic Cylinders and Switches now Available on my Store - www.greengeckoworkshop.com/

[@osik6746]

And with this i make a cilinder engine?

[@aircoolbro21scndling49]

You really have me interested in this lpe hobby, ive been looking for goof places to buy these cylinders/pistons,any suggestions? Ive also wanted to take those tiny 2x2 cylinder block peices and make a super tiny engine by 3d printing a piece that clips ontop of them but has an air valve then drill a hole in the side of them for pressure release and good timing, any sugestions where to get those parts? Ill edit this comment and come back with the part id. This peice 2850 is the one i already had the idea of modding 2851 is the piston head im looking for and you cant have the head without 2852 another peice i want to buy or possibly 3d print, while im on the topic of 3d printing legos would it be a good idea 3d printing legos out of a stronger materal? Obviously not for the parts you need a good seal for but just bricks in general, is 3d printing a good idea? Especially if you want custom parts? Thanks as always! But yeah i just need a good place to buy lego technic/pneumatic pieces in bulk

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Hi, That's great! I buy all of my parts of Bricklink.com here are the pneumatic parts you want - www.bricklink.com/v2/search.page?q=pneumatic%20switch#T=A - www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=47224c01&name=Pneumatic%20Cylinder%20with%202%20Inlets%20and%20Rounded%20End%20Medium%20(48mm)&category=%5BPneumatic%5D#T=P - www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=19475c01&name=Pneumatic%20Cylinder%20V2%201%20x%205&category=%5BPneumatic%5D#T=P&C=3 I have 3d printed some cylinder heads with ports for the fake engine parts, send me a email i can give you the 3d design file for 3d printing - email: [e-mail] Thanks, Mark

[@lisagrillo3985]

How do I get 0.0591 0.0748 inches

[@christopher22jj]

I much prefer to use grease as a lubricant, I’ve using silicone based stuff in the past and I find that the high air pressure just blows it all out very quickly.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I have been using Silicone lubricant for over a 2 years now in LPE's, and had no problems like you describe. It must be the silicone you are using.

[@christopher22jj]

Thanks for the reply, I might try out some more lubricants, it should be said that I run my engines at 120 psi

[@YotaLC-wo6qf]

I suppose I could use WD-40 Specialist silicone lubricant, right? I'm gonna check. Edit: if this solves any questions, yes, you can indeed use WD-40 silicone lubricant, it is safe to use on plastics and rubbers.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I don't recommend using the WD-40 Silicone lubricant, it ruins the seals from my experience.

[@LeRatVisseur]

How many episode of this serie ? Thanks for doing that i think i will build one but how can i control it with PF system ?

[@ZilongNez]

Nicolas M. ,One way you could control the switches is to use a servo, hope that helps!

[@LeRatVisseur]

@@ZilongNez yeah that's smart ! But 6 valves=6 servos motors... i need to found a solution... and the pump, we can't power it with lego battery box, right ? So it need another battery...

[@JulianGambleGP]

This video is much better than the previous cylinder modding video. Why do you choose to drill the yellow airflow tube out ie add a 1mm to the tube inside diameter, instead of just making the hole match the existing airflow tube diameter ie use a 1.5 mm drill bit? It seems risky for what you get.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Thanks, Drilling the small cylinders ports to 1.5mm is no problem there is still plenty of material left. You can drill them to 1mm if you want, it's up to you really. By having larger ports, you are able to get higher RPM.

[@squishysheep5862]

Where can I get these Lego Pneumatic pistons and switches? I’m currently using bricklink, but most of them are used or from another country on the other side of the world. Is there a specific seller that you recommend? Most of them only ship within their country, and almost all of them have some lot buy limit thing.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Hi, Sorry for the late reply. If you want to buy Lego Pneumatic's, I sell them on my Store here: www.greengeckoworkshop.com/pneumatic-parts/ They are modified for Lego Pneumatic Engines and they also work great in normal models. I ship orders worldwide and parcels are delivered in 3-10 days. If you have any more questions or need help, send me a email: [e-mail] Mark

[@hunter7476]

do you have good reccomendations like brands for silicon oil and super glue for modifying my parts thanks

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I use Zap a Gap medium CA Glue, and Silicone Star oil. you can use any silicone lubricant that is plastic and rubber safe, dont Use the WD-40 silicone lubricant. CRC silicone lubricant also works

[@Lacarambada]

Hello. Does it useful for Lego pneumatic pump? Thanks!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Yes

[@CarstenSvendsen]

Will the cylinder be stronger as a result as well, or is it only a speed/airflow mod?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Because the Engine revs higher it is making more power, than a stock Engine. If you set up the cylinder so that it presses on a scale, the amount of force measured will be the same.

[@smallenginesgarage7168]

if i only drill out the holes for more airflow, i dont need to open the cylinder up?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

No, the cylinder must be opened up to remove plastic material from drilling.

[@eightLives_forever]

Can a similar mod be done for Lego pneumatic pumps as well? I would like to mod some Lego 6L small pumps for my air compressor set up.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Haven't modded the pumps before, but it should be all good

[@eightLives_forever]

Awesome, thank you! Great video!

[@noot3778]

i tried this but for somer reason im not able to slide my screwdriver under the cap (im trying to modify an v2 2 x 11 pneumatic cylinder btw)

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

You'll need a sharp flat screwdriver

[@joelverboom6503]

If you would stabilise the flyweel it should be faster

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I know, i think i will do another rpm test once i get the engine built up again. Just finished making the instructions for this LPE

[@ludicrousbrickstudio]

After you lubricate the cylinders, do they stick a little at the top and bottom range of their travel? Thanks!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

No they wont stick

[@odohailu7851]

​@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop My (modified) cylinders do have a kind of a stick-sclip-effect after lubricating them with silicone oil. Only about half a minute after being unused they stick primarily when they are in their fully expanded position, too (see above) and will only work again if manipulated by hand. I´m thinking about cleaning them from the silicone oil and afterwards lubricating them with PTFE-(Teflon)-Spray. What do you think about it?

[@miccia1220]

Can i use 2x11 for engine? Is better or worst than a 2x5?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Yes you can use it

[@thundertornader5498]

will increasing flow speed affect the strength of the cylinder? edit: piston*

[@jackjorgensen1440]

Thunderetornader probably not, since it’s air pressure pushes the piston. Good question tho!

[@jogumemajoli]

Since i dont have an 1.9mm drill is it better to use 1.5 or 2mm?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Both are fine, 2mm works good

[@LeRatVisseur]

Where can i buy the pump you are using ?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

There will be a Episode on Air Supply Setups in this series, in the mean time Check out this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIa5YqyNod2FmNk

[@devenduefox5659]

where did you get the 2mm drill bits

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Hardware store

[@hunter7476]

can i lubricate my engines without taking them apart?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Yes, you can just run the engine from the Silicone Spray Can for 2 seconds or so and it will relube the Parts. This is what have been doing, and it works a treat. I will show this in a Future Video

[@domasdomas6974]

Hey , can olive oil be as lubricant ?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

It is best to use silicone oil

[@domasdomas6974]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop ok thanks

[@0hellow797]

Do I need to use modded switches with modded cylinders?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

You don't have too, but the engine will run smoother and faster with both modified. A new Video Guide for modifying the Switches is coming this week. I found a new way to open the switches for modding, It takes under 1 minute to open them with no damage.

[@user_dudeman3]

Can you use wd40 for lubricant?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

No. Only use silicone oil

[@user_dudeman3]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop ok thank you

[@catzzzz1450]

I wish i have one of these pneumatics,i have one linear actuator and feels boring now😪

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

I sell them on my store here - www.greengeckoworkshop.com/

[@catzzzz1450]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop great

[@oxodrive]

IT is not holding preasure for me . Have any idea how to reapair it? I Have got the same result in my switch. Pls help me. I apllied silicone lubricant

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Are you using brand new or nearly new Cylinders? Really Old cylinders tend to leak at the top seal. Your switch may not have enough back plate pressure holding the seals against the switch body.

[@oxodrive]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop i Have got nearly new cylinders. Before modification it was work very well. The air escapes at the very top of the cylinder after modification.

[@oxodrive]

And about switch. I saw that the air escapes in Old no modified switch too.

[@oxodrive]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop please reply

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Sounds like the top seal on the cylinder is leaking, this is very common if they are worn out or have no oil on them. Try using some silicone oil on the top seal, you need to pull it out of the top cap. Let me know if that works.

[@hunter7476]

glueing needed ?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

no gluing is needed for Modifying the Pneumatic Cylinders

[@TW39]

The ones I got can lift the weight of a 110scale rc electric car they weak how can u make them lift more weight

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Increase the pressure

[@TW39]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop im not using a air tank do I need a air tank for more pressure

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

You will need a larger pump and air tank

[@TW39]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop is 140kpa and negative 70kpa air pump good

[@TW39]

Will it be strong enough to lift 2kg off weight

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Yes it will if you use 2 Cylinders at 50-70 psi

[@TW39]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop how do u get that much psi

[@TW39]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop can u do a video

[@maranellogaming]

Can you use WD-40 ????

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Depends what type, I have in the past as an alternative

[@maranellogaming]

I have the standard wd-40 spray

[@noway2831]

Why don't they come like this?

[@jackwaller604]

It would be too hard and unreliable to manufacture it I’m guessing.

[@melody3741]

You could run an lpe on a can of air duster...

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

You can, but it would cost a lot to run. i just use a air tank.

[@melody3741]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop I just bought a bike pump I'm gonna make a tank out of some 2 liters.

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Nice, i also got a new compressor

[@melody3741]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop I want to build a Lego compressor with buwizz but I can't afford them since I already bought so many Legos already lol. I designed my own little 1 cylinder engine and I'm gonna try and make a inline 4 or boxer when I get more cam/crankshaft pieces. These are SO COOL and you've helped me so much with this so while I have the chance thanks¡!!!

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

Awesome!

[@donovanellis1533]

This helps a lot! One question, would the lubricant have any kind of bad reaction with fluid? I have a project I'd like to use these in that will use these cylinders as hydraulics, with an aquabrixel pump, see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/paWmp6iXntCpabs Something I'd love to see you review by the way, if you could

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

If you use silicone, it will be perfectly fine with water or oil

[@donovanellis1533]

@@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop I need something non corrosive and non reactive which means I can't use water, and ideally something less thick and viscous than oil