frangar

Now you have me worried.....eeeekkkk Cheers...well not really... Gareth

I personally find the pump out very useful when I want to stay moored out the way for a few days or somewhere like Liverpool where there isn't a elsan point. We do have a grotty potty for use over winter if there is a risk of getting iced in or if we can't get a pump out or find somewhere to self pump out.....yes shock horror we have a self pump out kit which has served us well over the last 20 plus years and paid for itself many times over...I'm sue I will now be told I am satan! So what I'm saying is think before you rip the tank out....it can be a useful thing to have...and if plumbed in properly it won't smell. Cheers Gareth

Have you noticed this at other oil changes? It will be worth keeping an eye on...maybe even checking the new oil after running for a bit. After I had my reversing box rebuilt there was similar as you have found at the next oil change. Then the last couple of times it was much cleaner when I cleaned the sump out. The main bits I find is from the paint coating the inside of the crankcase. Do you know when the bearings were last touched?? Cheers Gareth

Mine can be like this...it's more likey from the reversing box....or maybe the chrome from the cylinder liners...if you have a good oil pressure I wouldn't worry too much...just keep an eye on it....do you know when it was last cleaned out? On more modern engines this stuff ends up in a filter...in a JP it's in the sump...one of the reasons you need to use the right oil. Cheers Gareth

Maybe they were! Just had this email! Notice AlertOxford Canal Starts At: Bridge 193, Chisnell Lift Bridge Ends At: Bridge 193, Chisnell Lift Bridge Monday 17 November 2014 10:45 until further notice Type: Advice Reason: Repair Update on 18/11/2014: Amendment to Notice: to confirm the navigation and towpath are open, however the path over the bridge is closed. Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Souldern Footpath No.11 Bridge Closure Closure commenced: 30 October 2014 Date of Order: 17 November 2014 This Order continues in force the emergency closure of part of Souldern Footpath 11 because of an unsafe wooden bridge due to water erosion. The effect of the Order is to close the Footpath (southeast of Clifton and west of the rail line) where it crosses the bridge. It is anticipated it will take 3 to 6 months for remedial work to be completed. Exemptions are included for emergency services and for remedial works and for access to adjacent property which is only accessible from the closed section of Footpath. The alternative route is North along the canal towpath (351/19) to just North of Wharf Farm, East along Wharf Lane towards Souldern, then South-eastwards along Footpaths 351/17 and 351/18 to footpath 351/1, or vice versa. This Order will remain in force for a maximum period of six months or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.

Cheers for the further info…tbh just saw 6 months emergency closure so thought it best to post straight away!…..will see if I can read it better once I get some better internet! Cheers Gareth edited to add….. the email now I've read it properly (!!) says navigation and towpath open but the website has a red line along the canal……and doesn't say whats open or shut! Sorry if Ive panicked anyone!!

Just had an email to say bridge 193 could be shut for 6 months... https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/1915/oxford-canal-bridge-193-chisnell-lift-bridge On phone at so can't do much more. Does anyone know anything? Cheers Gareth

I was more on about public footpaths crossing the canal at a lock. There is at least one on the Chesterfield and several others we have come across on our travels...I've just remembered newark lock on the Trent. Bothe the above examples are very busy with people and buggies...and although those examples have wider footways people just use the other gates if they are in a hurry. There are several on the weaver as well. Cheers Gareth

I have just used the company on the amazon link for some comma antifreeze for our car which needs a certain spec….they were £8 cheaper than the local trade motor factors! All arrived well packaged and in a couple of days with the free shipping. Would use them again Cheers Gareth

Heaven forbid they could just walk over a set of closed lock gates as happens at other places on they system where a footpath crosses a lock.....there again people in South don't tend to think logically..... Cheers Gareth

When I tried that I couldn't shift the nut that holds the small gear on the shaft for love nor money…in fact I did damage the threads on the shaft which thankfully Llewelins were able to sort when the whole lot landed in their workshop (I did take the split pin out btw!). I ended up taking the gear cluster out with the reduction box still on and working on it on the bench…its not a light lift out the engine room….. Gentle but firm force was needed…and patience to make sure it was coming apart square. When I put it back together I didn't use any sealant apart from some grease. I did make a new o ring though. Cheers Gareth

Just about to say I don't think you do when you put the edit up! Cheers. Gareth

So have you got the top of the reversing box off? Can you see the rubber o ring round the groove on the reversing box? You might need a large crow bar to slide the reduction box off the shaft if it's been there a while...I did the first time I removed mine...a scary amount of force as I recall. If you can post some pictures we can help as to what you might need to do. Just wondering if you have replacement clutch plates? They aren't always easily available. Also what makes you think this is the problem? Is the drive slipping in ahead or is it just hard to get in gear? Cheers Gareth

Oh bother! I have family commitments then. That's annoying as I quite fancied the open day as well. If I can change stuff I will post back. Anyhow thanks again for reporting back. I for one are very grateful. Cheers Gareth

Cheers for going and reporting back Ray. If there is a bit more warning & I'm about I would be glad to attend the next one. Cheers Gareth

They deffo JP heads...if they are in good condition they are worth serious money...however if they are not...be a shame just to scrap them if they could be cleaned up and tested tho....they aren't manking any more! Where abouts are they at the moment..... Cheers Gareth

Thanks for that info Tony. Very interesting. I don't fancy replacing the liners on my JP! I will keep renewing antifreeze. Cheers Gareth

Indeed.....but I'm not sure I want to be the test bed!...tis a shame cos they could be on a winner if it was tested. Cheers Gareth

Well I'm guessing it will still be a coolant....but I'm concerned that just adding more might not improve the anti corrosion properties,....Unless anyone wants to do some lab tests I'm guessing I will keep buying antifreeze as its cheaper than internal engine corrosion! Cheers Gareth

Hi chaps, After reading about others using Ankorsol to extend the life of antifreeze I thought it might be prudent to ask Morris's tech dept if this was ok...I wasn't trying to prove anything or say that people were wrong....In fact I was just about to get some myself! This is what I wrote to Morris Can you please tell me if i could use Ankorsol in conduction with Morris Universal Anti Freeze? I have several vehicles and a narrowboat in which I use your antifreeze and I was wondering if I could add the Ankorsol rather than changing the antifreeze to keep the anti corrosion properties topped up as I understand this is what degrades in the antifreeze. And this was their reply Many thanks for your enquiry, Ankorsol can be used to boost the corrosion protection of Universal Antifreeze in use but after the period of recommended use i.e. 2 years we would recommend the product is changed. The continuous addition of Ankorsol will not ensure protection of the engine year in year out as yes the additives deplete over time but we have not undertaken any studies to substantiate its use as a continuous additive replacement product. Simon Matthews BSc(Hons), MRSC, CCHEM, CSci, MEI Technical Services Manager Morris Lubricants Bu**er I thought! Looks like I will keep buying antifreeze. Perhaps they might think about doing some tests now....or maybe they make more money from antifreeze! Cheers Gareth