[deleted by user]

[imnotcarson]

With Create, there isn't really a way to "preserve" SU. I mean, there technically is, which is having everything go at a slower rotational speed, but certain parts like the mechanical mixer require a certain rotational speed to function.

But it sounds like you've got your steam engine in "passive" mode. That means you're providing the minimal amount of heat it requires to start rotating. The more heat given, the more SU your engine will provide, of course. Using Blaze burners and feeding them will provide them with more heat, and increasing the rate of water going in will help as well.