@thechort
I've tested it and found it to result in higher peaks, with the rps fluctuating between 64 and 58 each crankshaft rotation, that's a bit rough, heh.
It's usually better to aim for a more even rps output, with spreading the offsets over the entire rotation I'm getting rps fluctuations within 1.3 rps, adding 1-2 flywheels will further help to steady the rps for a 3-4% loss in torque, due to needing 2 clutches. (not talking about the flywheel glitch).

thanks dude!

Grumpy I found equally spacing the pistons on half of the crank is more efficient than all the way around the crank.
https://youtu.be/mR_RN6RbnmA

Ditch the pumps, they're not needed. I've tested almost every workshop creation with valve timings and sorts, doesn't make any difference at all. Just go from boiler steam output straight into the pistons, the piston steam output into a pump and either condenser or expell the steam. Keep the boiler pressure around 0.8 and you're set.

on my three piston setup, (0, .33, -.33), it goes from almost stand still to super fast and back again on every cylce. i have steam being pumped in and pumped out but idk why its doing this. any ideas?