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Post by loafer on Feb 22, 2017 18:14:20 GMT
Ah sorry kris, I see a more serious tone in there! No, it doesn't have a 'proper' engine, but has a very pretty one in a trad engine room. It's the coppered-up Beta BD3 'Tug', which used to be a Lister CRK3 and also a Ford 3000/4000-series tractor engine. Or so I'm told. But I do love it! At least you've got an engine room, I couldn't have a narrowboat that didn't have one. The beta bd3 is not a bad engine either. It MUST be good because MtB never liked them!
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Post by kris on Feb 22, 2017 18:17:27 GMT
At least you've got an engine room, I couldn't have a narrowboat that didn't have one. The beta bd3 is not a bad engine either. It MUST be good because MtB never liked them! yea but then look he spent a fortune putting a semi diesel into that tug he's got., which has made it really impractical to use. So he's definately not the best person to ask about engines.
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Post by loafer on Feb 22, 2017 18:26:02 GMT
It MUST be good because MtB never liked them! yea but then look he spent a fortune putting a semi diesel into that tug he's got., which has made it really impractical to use. So he's definately not the best person to ask about engines. I really would like a 2-pot Gardner, I think they sound great. However, mine can make a similar sound as long as it's idling. I have been known to speed up a bit, just prior to having to pass moored boats. I then drop back to idle and coast past them making the 'right' noise! Once it's revved up and moving us, it sounds a bit like we've come to plough the canal.
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Post by Telemachus on Feb 22, 2017 18:26:26 GMT
But then again, if you have a modern Japanese engine there's no need to work on it beyond changing the oil and filters. Have you got an engine that doesn't require the following? valve clearances checking and adjusting as required. belts tensioned and replaced periodically electrical connections to be checked, coolant pipework and heat exchanger to be checked. Condition and security of fuel lines, condition and security of exhaust. Condition and correct operation/ adjustment of control cables. Condition and security of engine mounts. Prop shaft alignment. OK fair point however:
Valve clearances - not mentioned in the maintenance schedule, although it is something I would probably do eventually. Easy to do on our "engine in the back" trad stern boat, standing in the bedroom. Belts - easily got to from the bedroom after removing the front panel (just lifts out) Pipework, exhaust - easily seen when standing in the bedroom leaning over the engine. Cables - haven't needed adjusting yet, 2300 hrs Engine mounts and prop shaft alignment - yes slightly awkward, you have to lie on top of the engine and reach down, but how often does that have to be done? Once every 5-10 years?
So nothing there that makes me wish we had an engine room taking up space in the middle of the boat and, as a consequence, reduced headroom in the rear cabin.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 18:41:49 GMT
I was at Wheaton Aston getting diesel one fine day, when I heard the distinctive pop pop of a fine vintage engine.
It took about 20/30 mins before the boat came alongside, and I said to the helmsman "what a wonderful singing sound".
His reply was not complimentary, as he pointed out he can hear the engine hours after it's been switched off, like a serious case of tinitus.
I suspect they're more attractive to view than to live with. I love to see and hear them, but I really don't want one.
Rog
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Post by loafer on Feb 22, 2017 18:42:11 GMT
Have you got an engine that doesn't require the following? valve clearances checking and adjusting as required. belts tensioned and replaced periodically electrical connections to be checked, coolant pipework and heat exchanger to be checked. Condition and security of fuel lines, condition and security of exhaust. Condition and correct operation/ adjustment of control cables. Condition and security of engine mounts. Prop shaft alignment. OK fair point however:
Valve clearances - not mentioned in the maintenance schedule, although it is something I would probably do eventually. Easy to do on our "engine in the back" trad stern boat, standing in the bedroom. Belts - easily got to from the bedroom after removing the front panel (just lifts out) Pipework, exhaust - easily seen when standing in the bedroom leaning over the engine. Cables - haven't needed adjusting yet, 2300 hrs Engine mounts and prop shaft alignment - yes slightly awkward, you have to lie on top of the engine and reach down, but how often does that have to be done? Once every 5-10 years?
So nothing there that makes me wish we had an engine room taking up space in the middle of the boat and, as a consequence, reduced headroom in the rear cabin.
Good points, but I have to counter the 'space' issue. Yes, our engine room takes up a cabin's worth. However, is is also a good storage space for tools, gear, batteries, calorifier etc, therefore the headroom drops. We also have a vast storage space for little-used stuff under the counter, which is all free space given the absence of an egg-whisk driver. Furthermore, Mrs Loafer loves the engine room because it dries her laundry! It would't do for all to be the same.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 18:48:34 GMT
Tricky innit.
I always like the look of an engine room. It's a sort of 'shed come sanctuary' type thing.
But there's no part of my current boat I'd want to lose, and I don't want a longer boat.
And being a mechanical idiot, I'm probably safer with a hidden Beta.
Rog
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 18:48:55 GMT
Have you got an engine that doesn't require the following? valve clearances checking and adjusting as required. belts tensioned and replaced periodically electrical connections to be checked, coolant pipework and heat exchanger to be checked. Condition and security of fuel lines, condition and security of exhaust. Condition and correct operation/ adjustment of control cables. Condition and security of engine mounts. Prop shaft alignment. OK fair point however:
Valve clearances - not mentioned in the maintenance schedule, although it is something I would probably do eventually. Easy to do on our "engine in the back" trad stern boat, standing in the bedroom. Belts - easily got to from the bedroom after removing the front panel (just lifts out) Pipework, exhaust - easily seen when standing in the bedroom leaning over the engine. Cables - haven't needed adjusting yet, 2300 hrs Engine mounts and prop shaft alignment - yes slightly awkward, you have to lie on top of the engine and reach down, but how often does that have to be done? Once every 5-10 years?
So nothing there that makes me wish we had an engine room taking up space in the middle of the boat and, as a consequence, reduced headroom in the rear cabin.
Most are every couple of years - you get the feel for what your timescale will be. Ours is an utter balls ache down in the depths of the cockpit. An engine room is just that though, plonked in thd middle of a 6' corridor is stretching the term - Kris and John have engine rooms, with proper engines, I'd fabcy that, but you do point out valid shortcomings of Having a great lump of iron in the middle of a sewer tube.
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Post by lollygagger on Feb 22, 2017 18:57:24 GMT
Diesel, diesel, diesel. It stinks. I like smell as a passing by sort of thing, but not inside the main living area of the boat thanks.
On the other hand if the fecker was in an engine room I'd fix the leaks, while it's at the rear I'm more inclined to put the covers back and leave it for a rainy day.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 19:02:39 GMT
Gazza is so poetic....
sewer tube
it's not quite Kenneth Graham is it.
Rog
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 19:03:49 GMT
Gazza is so poetic.... sewer tube it's not quite Kenneth Graham is it. Rog Could be worse, you could be a WAFI
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 19:07:35 GMT
Had to google that Rog
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 19:09:44 GMT
Had to google that Rog Pete will need to be familiar with the term if he moves to the Broads
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Post by Mr Stabby on Feb 22, 2017 19:10:15 GMT
I was at Wheaton Aston getting diesel one fine day, when I heard the distinctive pop pop of a fine vintage engine. It took about 20/30 mins before the boat came alongside, and I said to the helmsman "what a wonderful singing sound". His reply was not complimentary, as he pointed out he can hear the engine hours after it's been switched off, like a serious case of tinitus. I suspect they're more attractive to view than to live with. I love to see and hear them, but I really don't want one. Rog Cheapest diesel on the cut, Wheaton Aston. People I've spoken to with engine rooms say the same, plus they just rob living space. My engine is under the boards at the rear and I've never had to do a job on it yet that I've found awkward.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2017 19:15:40 GMT
At least you've got an engine room, I couldn't have a narrowboat that didn't have one. The beta bd3 is not a bad engine either. Having a boat with an engine room is like having a car with the engine in the passenger seat. I've helped scrutineered this at a couple of MCC events. www.classictrials.co.uk/LE2005Crackington/LE05%20Crack%20John%20Beaumont.JPGIts got a 1275 mini engine were the rear seats would be.
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