matola

So I mentioned that I would give a short pic report here of the engine swap out, Firstly I must say that I am most grateful to all the people who turned up to offer help, mostly with lifting, It's a real credit to the boating community that so many were willing to chip in and help. So thanks to everyone, particularly Darren and Tony. After that, this is the first time I tried this and it was easier than I imagined, some small issues came in unexpected ways but were not impossible to overcome and I'd encourage anyone who's thinking of doing this themselves to give it a go. So choose a bridge with required weight limit and as little traffic as possible, Stonebridge is good as no one uses the manual lock. However the number of gongoozlers is high. The lift weight is way under a tonne and also a quick look at the bridge makes it clear that it can take considerably more than a tonne, I'd guess up to 10 at least. Strap over the bridge I beam and a chain hoist to lift. Had to angle it with another strap to clear the guttering, probably better to remove the gearbox in place and lift separately. Once lifted get boards underneath and to the side, where you'll need a hand to get it onto land. Take the chance to repaint underneath. The hardest lift was to clear the rails. Many thanks to all who helped. Lower into place and then spend considerable time to line up the gear and prop, took me maybe half a day to get right, but worth it. (push the plates up together and place feeler gauge to test alignment) Once in, start the tasks of reconnecting everything, Here I have finished the controls and fuel lines. Stand back and admire the shiny new (recon) unit. So once I have had a rest, it just remains to reconnect the loom and electrics and start up Once again many thanks to all who helped. Particularly Keith (Chief Engineer), Mary (Catering), Tony and Darren (Muscle) Still in Stonebridge along with my Chain hoist, if you need a hand let me know. Cheers Matt

Hi All It went fine, and the "new" engine is IN maybe soon it will run too. I'll update with some pics soon. Thanks Matt

This weekend i,m plannning to switch out my bmc 1.5 with a recon unit. I have my eye on a suitable bridge, where i can get my tool van alongside, and think i have most equipment available, chain hoist planks, dolly etc. Once i switch over the gearbox and alternator i think it should slot right in. Have you any tips that might make it all go a more smoothly? Thanks matt Oh and while its out i,ll paint the engine bay, any particular paint required ?

I passed last evening and the tap has indeed been removed once again, and now the toilet is also locked with a chain and a non services key padlock. Thanks CRT for the new tap at mile end, it has good pressure, but take a very long hose with you as many boats are moored up against it. While I don't want to accuse the new cottage owners, I cannot think of an alternative motive for the continued vandalism. It's clearly not metal thieves as the pipework has been replaced with plastic. Maybe it's not a shared water meter issue, but it just messes with their water pressure. A tap on the offside is surely a very sensible idea.

WHAT ? FFS From my OP - what could be the motive for this vandalism ?

Great Could they not put a "Aware of issue and pending Fix" notice. Anyway glad it's getting fixed Thanks CRT.

This is certainly a possibility. I haven't written to CRT, apparently this started a couple of weeks ago so I'd hoped they'll already be aware. London Taps:- Tottenham - Removed Stonebridge - Works but extermely low pressure - slow Victoria Park - Removed Angel - Refurbished and working (Still ?) Little Venice - Working ?

There are no houses nearby so I don't think it could be residents. It's not scrap metal scroungers, the wound was very specific and no pipes missing. Also the tap over the elsan point has also been removed, isn't this required to use the facility ?

No offence taken They do indeed still currently have the option to void the "fine" and write it off as a clerical error. Although they have not yet confirmed this is the direction they will take. If they decide to try to uphold the "fine" then I will wait for the recovery action to commence proceedings. Although, I see your point about not giving this option.

Both taps have been removed from Victoria Park Lock facilities, apparently after someone crimped the pipes ? I heard a boater made a temporary repair but this has also been removed. What could be the motive behind this vandalism ? How long do you think it will take CRT to restore their arsenal of London taps back up to 4 ?

Yes that's the current status.

Sorry, I'll try to make it clearer. I would fight this in court not to prove that my specific claim against the fine is valid, as I made an (admittedly verbal) agreement with them. The basis of my complaint would the the legality of the issuing authority.

For me the circumstances of the "fine" are in doubt, but not really significant in comparison with the legal ability to issue the fine.

Don't be overly worried about mooring in London, we've not seen much trouble since last spring in Victoria park. Take usual precautions of locking everything, and speak with your neighbours and enjoy London

I have notified them of them of the circumstances and that if they wish to proceed we will answer in court, they are considering their response.

I have an outstanding £125 overstay charge from Islington. We always try to abide by the rules, but in this case we were broken down and could not move along on Friday as planned, we had to stay until Monday when the parts arrived. We telephoned Stacey and told her of the situation, "that'll be fine, said she", also left a message on her answer phone. Regardless of the situation, research shows there is very shaky legal ground from which to make these overstay charges, so although crt are currently considering the case, In fact I hope they decide to press on with the case as I have a small army of various lawyers in my family to release on them should they decide they wish to test this in court. I'll let you know how it goes.

Hi All So it's time for me to replace my leisure batteries as they are no longer holding charge very long. Currently I have 2 x lead acid 120Ah which have been pretty poorly treated over 2 years. I am trying to choose which technology is worth going for in relation to the price. As far as I have read there is :- lead acid Calcium Gel carbon fibre LiFe P4 I read that the Lithiumferrumphosphate Lifepo4 are way in advance of the others, as they support more than 3000 charge cycles. But a quick look shows me that a 40ah is around £350. I don't read good things of carbon fibre batteries. I am prepared to invest in quality batteries, but guess my limit is around £400 for a pair, unless I can prove to myself any additioanl expenditure is worth it. Could I get your opinions and any links to good info ? Many thanks Matt

I've only just heard about this and am feeling very bad because I was moored in the middle of all these boats and was up and awake most of the night but did not hear a thing. Or even notice any broken locks in the morning etc. I wish I could have done something to prevent all this damage and catch a few of those involved but I could not. I guess they looked in my window and saw me awake a missed me out, so lucky for me but not for others. When I first heard it was 10 boats, I was so surprised there were so many unoccupied boats at the weekend, but I guess a lot of people work in town and go away for the weekend. On the other notes in this forum about not fighting back, excuse my language but F*ck that,, anyone who tries to get in my boat while I'm on board and I'm going to cut their thieving fingers off with my axe. I'm thinking of putting a sign up to this effect. Sorry everyone I could not do more Take care out there. Matt P.S At least we have signs up now that say, "Police patrol this area" so you can all rest easy. Oh now I read these have been nicked too

Hi I managed to drill and remove the stud using the tang on a needle file and now I've found and cut a new bolt to suit perfectly and now its sealed once again But I'm still having the original bleeding problem, but will give it a go to turn it right through as you suggest, just waiting for the batterys to charge again now. I think it'll go this time, fingers crossed. I marked both the bolt sections before i removed them, and have been carefull not to adjust the turn between the lower and the middle bolts while fixing the upper 8mm bleed bolt so I hope the idle has not moved, but had little choice but to remove it. Thanks for your help. Matt

I've sheared off my upper fueld pump bleed nut while bleeding my bmc 1.5. Thing is I Do know m own strength, - puny! I'm always carefull not to overtighten but it seemed to be made from soft cheese today. Anyway it'll need to be fixed and bled again before we're going anywhere. So I could try and drill and get an extractor to remove the stud and try to find a suitable bolt but maybe I'm better off looking to buy a replacement unit ? Where might I find a replacement bolt set ? As always thanks, everyone for your help and advice. Matt

They have a website with contact info at www.enfielddock.info

Hi Everyone, Thanks to your help on this issue, I opened the pump and found a load of rusty guff which once removed means my pump does not leak or fart any longer woohoo. I've re-installed it with an inline filter. Thanks again Matt

Thanks for all your help. The resolution was that the alternator was not dead, but was missing the lamp light connection which meant it was failing to energise. I added a new wire and not its all charging perfectly. Thanks again. Matt

I had one of these rattling in my pocket for over 2 years, got it wet many times whilst cycling so never thought it would work. However dropped my keys in the lea a while ago and peered down thinking about who I could borrow a magnet from, and blub blub blub up it came. I also left it inflated overnight, and it still worked the next day. Going to ask for another from santa. Matt