Flash boilers are pretty cool. The engine in that link looks really interesting.
From Octopus Trainers first post, it sounds like he is considering converting a internal combustion engine to a steam engine.
There are safe ways to deal with steam systems. I just wanted to throw the big warning out there because steam is one of those things that is FAR MORE powerful than people give it credit for - especially if somebody is doing any sort of home-brew system!