I gathered all the makings for a service on my boat engine today. After being at work for the morning, I dressed down in my muckiest clothes and set to it after lunch. Before I moved aboard 'Don't Panic' I could hardly change a lightbulb but when I discovered how much I could save servicing my own engine, I very quickly learnt how!
Having said that there hasn't been one service in 7 years where there hasn't been a problem.
Today the only thing I managed was to change the air filter! Firstly I couldn't shift my oil filter at all, not even using a strap. So there was no point in doing the oil change, and the one time I needed a strong man to help, there were none to be had. So I thought I'd leave that and change the fuel filter. This time I remembered to turn the diesel off! Got my filter off without difficulty, but when I came to fit the new one, it turned out that the size of filter written on the box did not correspond with the filter inside, so it didn't fit. Grrrr! So then I had to put the old one back on and given it had hardly any diesel left in it, it was a bugger trying to get the engine to start. I managed to tighten my fan belt a little and top up the coolant but the major part of the service hasn't been accomplished.
Tomorrow, after work, I will search for a strong man and return the naff fuel filter to the boatyard. I am not a happy bunny!
... O dear I feel for you, nothing worse than getting all ready only to be stopped due to the engine not wishing to loose its good friend ! If you are desperate I may be able to come over but not sure when, I guess there are a few regulars who will as they always do on the moorings help out. Good luck..... undoing the ropes for a long cruise is getting ever closer. Sadly I think you will motor away as I arrive back !
ReplyDeleteThere was a distinct lack of helpful men on the mooring yesterday! But today I have a chain type affair lent by Barry and the possibility of Graham to wield it so I'll see how we go! Thanks for the offer though. I hope Percy is set for the minus temperatures we are due over the next week? Hope to see you soon.
DeleteThere was a distinct lack of helpful men on the mooring yesterday! But today I have a chain type affair lent by Barry and the possibility of Graham to wield it so I'll see how we go! Thanks for the offer though. I hope Percy is set for the minus temperatures we are due over the next week? Hope to see you soon.
DeleteI may well come and light the fire and stop aboard over the weekend - dispel all those myths about cold and damp boats, it would be warmer than the house right now !
DeleteI may well come and light the fire and stop aboard over the weekend - dispel all those myths about cold and damp boats, it would be warmer than the house right now !
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