[Can someone identify this alternator]

hi

the alternator looks as if it is a lucas A C R type,very common and widely used.

 

the A C R range produced 28 to 55 amps according to the model.

 

the "weird" plug is a twin or triple socket which houses the excitation cable(usually connected to "ignition"switch or charge warning lamp.

 

there should be 2 or 3 male spade terminals behind the socket.

 

small one for excitation

a larger one for output

 

the "spare" one was some times used for the insulated return version,but usually it was common to the output

[Cheapest heating in the long run for liveaboards.]

i really cant imagine having a canal live-aboard boat without a stove!

a sf stove may create some dust,but is must be the most versatile heating of all.

when the weather is cool enough to have just a bit of heating on,a stove can be lit with a "small fire" within

i leave the majority of the ash in place,leang only a 4" circle of grating exposed,half a dozen or so briquettes of coal will burn slowly and maintain a pleasant background heat for swveral hours.

 

i have considerable experience in the marine industry,and have installed,and repaired literally hundreds of webasto,eberspacher,and mikuni heaters.

they all have one factor in common,they are expensive to service and repair,and they all GO WRONG!

 

diesel "drip feed stoves ane boilers are o.k.,but they always seem to smell of diesel fuel

 

i have a mikuni hot air system as "boost" heating,this is only ever used when ambient temperatures are well below zero or if the boat is underway and doors are left open whilst operating locks etc.

 

a boating friend describes an sf stove as "caveman t.v."!and i think that lokoing at the flame pattern after one has just got back on board at the end of a cold day,is both relaxing and invigorating.

[Reliable diesel heating]

That's very good to know. From my research the drip fed boilers seem the best bet for heavy use. Do you think a Kabola E3 or E5 would be best for a 57 by 10 widebeam?

 

 

Ed

[BMC engine oil presure loooow (also which oil)]

I've finally got my boat moving after goodness knows how long. The engine is a BMC 1.5 which in fact sounds OK, for a 35 year old diesel on solid engine mounts with a gear box hewn from the hills! I'm unimpressed by the oil pressure though. I've only just fitted the gauge so I've no idea what the pressure is normally like (the book suggests 15psi at idle 50psi under load). I get 10-15 at idle, and 20 -25 under load. More worryingly the oil pressure went down to as good as 0 on the gauge at one point, revving it got it back up to 20psi. Would you be worried?

 

It does need an oil change, I've not done it for ages but it's not been used much. What oil would you guys suggest? I can't remember what I put in it last time.

 

I'm intending to (until it's fixed/better)

- change the oil and filter

- clean the gauze on the oil pickup (and clean the sump while it is off)

- check/clean the pressure relief valve

- change the pump I guess (I hope I don't need to get this far)

 

Chris