engine strength

I should be interested to read anyones views on an idea which has been
growing stronger in my mind lately. If I am being stupid, please tell
me why.
My car is not on the road yet, but is well past playing with it under
steam and leak-curing.It has been whilst bringing it up to pressure
with the drive chain off that I have been able to experiment with the
point at which one first gently opens the regulator to turn the engine
over and exhaust all the accumulated water.By doing this at about 100
psi I can bring the engine up to a workable ( minimal condensation )
temperature without the sensation of imminent hydraulic locks. Waiting
for full 250 pressure and then doing the above is accompanied by some
worrisome noises !
Now to the point of all this: are the crankshaft and linkage failures
that have been reported the result of repeatedly having to overcome
near hydraulic lock situations on cold start-ups ?
I know some of you have fitted drain cocks, was it to overcome cold
start problems ?
Dave Granger

I fitted drain cocks to the top and bottom of both cylinders for the sole purpose of easing hydraulic lock. When starting from cold, I open all drain cocks and with the gear in forward, just crack open the throttle, and let steam blow through. The car might inch forward a bit, but will stop when a piston hits condensation. Put the lever in reverse and do the same. Gradually open the throttle (in forward) until the engine is happy to run freely, then close the drain cocks. If at any stage the engine appears to lock up, ease the throttle and let more steam run through. As with all machinery, it is a matter of understanding what is going on and treating it with respect, and this is one of the advantages of building a machine oneself.