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Post by Mr Stabby on Sept 5, 2020 21:13:15 GMT
I'm a bit puzzled by your reference to a 650 hour service since most engines need servicing far more often than this, normally 150-200 hours. What engine is it?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2020 21:28:24 GMT
I'm a bit puzzled by your reference to a 650 hour service since most engines need servicing far more often than this, normally 150-200 hours. What engine is it? Its not a 650 hour service interval, it means the next service is due at 650 hours. The last was at 450 hrs, but that was 2 years ago
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Post by naughtyfox on Sept 6, 2020 16:16:54 GMT
"If the oil has been changed in accordance with the service schedule then that's three changes in five years, (one after 50 hours) so another soon will not hurt."
Three in 5 years? I do 5 in 3 weeks!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:19:20 GMT
"If the oil has been changed in accordance with the service schedule then that's three changes in five years, (one after 50 hours) so another soon will not hurt." Three in 5 years? I do 5 in 3 weeks! Yes but yours holds 3/5 of 5/8 of fuck all, 25l of through a proper sized engine in less than a month is an expensive habit to keep up!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:21:20 GMT
I'll look for a reputable place to do the service somewhere on the GU as I head North. Engine servicing is something you really need to learn to do yourself. Not just for the cost saving but to monitor the heart of your boat, to look for changes and anticipate issues. All that and you also prevent some barely qualified halfwit from rinsing you while doing a shit job ππ»
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:25:56 GMT
If it's a copy of a working boat with a roof top exhaust and splitter I think smoking is compulsory If you mean the hoop over the top of the exhaust pipe it's a "cutter" not a "splitter".
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Post by naughtyfox on Sept 6, 2020 16:32:04 GMT
Engine servicing is something you really need to learn to do yourself. Not just for the cost saving but to monitor the heart of your boat, to look for changes and anticipate issues. All that and you also prevent some barely qualified halfwit from rinsing you while doing a shit job ππ» Although not everyone has mechanical experience or be brave enough to try something because they fear they could make a terrible cock-up. I saw our main fuel filter changed twice by 'professionals'. Both nice chaps, both did it in a different way, with a lot of fuss and mucking around. I did it myself for the first time last June (2019) - just span the old one off (bowl underneath for drips), spun the new one on, left the bleed screw open and waited for gravity to do its bit and closed the bleed screw. Dead easy - but I thought I might have a problem with an air lock and have to open various diesel pipes (eg. at the fuel pump). So now I have the confidence to do it myself every time now. I read the AA Book of the Car when I was a teenager, and that gave me a good idea how vehicles/engines work; I would still recommend it for 'light reading'.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:32:57 GMT
One of The most important thing to maintain is the fuel system - regular filter changes and periodic draining of fuel from the bottom of the tank will prevent breakdowns, the quality of fuel from river/canal side retailers varies massively, at least a once yearly change of the filter will give you a good idea of where you are at fuel wise..
Yesterday I looked at some fuel out of a converted old lifeboat - the filter hadnβt been changed in 9 years, god alone only knows how long the fuel had been in the tank - it looked like Coca Cola and smelt like shit! Little wonder it wouldnβt run!
Diesel is a bastard to look after in the hostile marine environment - often it is one of the most overlooked aspects of boat maintenance, if you donβt know when yours was last changed make sure you get it done sooner rather than later.
Engine oil and filter changes are the lifeblood of an engine and a once yearly change shouldnβt be overlooked - however; a sump full of oil a little overdue in a lightly stressed and in your case lightly worked engine shouldnβt be cause for concern, you wonβt seize it up if itβs a little late being changed π
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:40:25 GMT
But having said all that the engine sounds in need of a full service (ideally with stamp in the book) - and since time seems to be an issue it may be best to pay someone. Tony is heading for Braunston - any recommendations in that vicinity?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 16:45:41 GMT
I wonder if I can trouble the chaps who know about engines for an opinion? In the morning when I first start my engine, there is a fair bit of greyish smoke for about 5 seconds, after which it disappears and the exhaust fumes are all but invisible for the rest of the time it is running. I remember reading somewhere years ago that a car engine cold starting and producing smoke, even for a short while, was a sign of a head gasket problem- so I wondered if the cold-start smoke on a diesel is also bad news? Its not huge clouds, but it is definitely noticeable. Its only done 600 hours in the last five years, and that can also lead to some issues. The previous owner was a stickler for maintenance in all aspects, and I think its likely it has been serviced fully (I'll dig it out later)- but I'm wondering if it might be worth asking a boatyard to look at it more closely, over the next month or two. I usually suffer from this when the air filter needs changing.
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Post by naughtyfox on Sept 6, 2020 16:58:02 GMT
But having said all that the engine sounds in need of a full service (ideally with stamp in the book) - and since time seems to be an issue it may be best to pay someone. Tony is heading for Braunston - any recommendations in that vicinity? There is a man by the bridge opposite the shop that closed (some kind of chandlery). He is famous but I forget his name*. He told me to change the diesel pipe myself last July (2019) with instructions on how to do it - he said why would I want to give him Β£40 for nothing? So I did**. First time I have ever changed one. I bought it from Midland Chandlers which is at the junction of the GU/Northern Oxford. *By Union Canal Carriers. The boss of that firm? Braunston Marina told me to go and see him. ** change the fuel pipe myself - not give him Β£40 for nothing.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 17:17:41 GMT
I think you're referring to Jonno at UCC hire boats.
Rog
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Post by naughtyfox on Sept 6, 2020 17:20:46 GMT
I think you're referring to Jonno at UCC hire boats. Rog Ahh... yes... 'Jonathon'. Yes, him. He said if I get stuck, get a-hold of him tomorrow. But he encouraged me to do it myself, and I was surprised and pleased that it went without hitch. I think he is 'quite famous' in those parts.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 17:39:04 GMT
Thanks very much for this info guys- I only made it as far as White Mills marina today, it was getting late and I was starving so pulled over. They charge a very reasonable Β£4 a night to moor on the grass bank outside, so my three screw-in pins are being tested for the first time (the ones they use for dogs on leads). In theory I could make Gayton junction tomorrow, but that said I am also trying to enjoy the journey north, and I'm still not in good enough shape to enjoy a long day of cruising and locking- so I might make two legs of it.
I don't have the tools for a service at the moment so rather than delay it, I'm tempted to get it done this time by a pro, so I'll try that guy and see what he says. One thing that strikes me about the CRT system is there seem to be a higher density of marinas, boatyards and options for repairs, servicing etc.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2020 17:46:47 GMT
Say Hi to Whitemills Marina from NB Hello. If they still have a caravan there it might be my old temp home!
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