Squeezy

Hiya, I just tried jerry rigging a spare switch into the circuit and it worked fine, so button switch stuck as you guys suggested. Thanks loads fellas. It difficult to problem solve when you're not experienced enough to know whether trying the things you feel may work won't bugger something expensive! I shall be raising a glass of something unhealthy but pleasant to you shortly. Merry Christmas!

Aw thanks fellas! Christmas spirit lives! Ok so, the button is a simple button switch and it is located under the fuse panel. It has just two spade connectors on the rear. There's no option for mistakes. (I hope!) There are two 'toggle' type switches next to it that have lights below that go out once the engine is started, I've always assumed these were the switches pertaining to the alternators. I do have a multi-meter somewhere but where.... So you think it's safe to start the engine and then remove the spade connector? I've had a look at the switch but there's no obvious way in! It was my first thought as guilty party but I wasn't sure. Thanks again, Squeezy

Hi all and merry Christmas! I doubt anyone will be reading this for a while but here goes! Prior to leaving to visit relatives for a couple of days, with my security head on, I removed and hid the two isolator switch keys from the engine and had a brainwave to remove the positive spade connector to the starter button. On our return I put the two isolator switch keys back and went to reattach the spade connector to the back of the switch and each time I connect it the starter motor fires up! I have no idea why this is happening but I'm reluctant to get the engine going in case the starter motor keeps going once she fires up. Can anyone give advice please. I don't mind if it starts with a huge sigh! We're stuck without water and gradually dimming lights until this is sorted!! Cheers, Squeezy.

Hiya, I did an oil change on my HR2 a couple of days ago and on the recommendation of the 'bloke at the boatyard' refilled with Morris goldenfilm straight 30 rather than the 10w40 that the previous owner had been using. So, I've come to cd start her this morning and she was very sluggish to turn over and get going. Usually fires up first time. That said, once warmed up she sounds happier than before. The question is do you think the straight 30 is too viscous? Or is it just that it was still a bit parky last night!? Is the top end getting wet enough quickly enough? I don't want to batter the starter motor. With the size of the thing I'm betting its cost some to replace. Cheers, Squeezy.

Hi and thanks fellas, The 2nd position of the pump definitely leads to the bottom of the Blackstone box. The reduction box is separate and I topped that up with hypoid gear oil (80w90). I'll empty the old oil, top up and run it up for a bit and re-check as you suggest, thanks Alan. Next for the fuel filter. I'm hoping that they're not as tricky to bleed as some have suggested! Cheers, Squeezy. And thanks Tim too. S

Hi Folks, I'm just about to change the oil in my HR2 (for the first time) and something struck me. I understand that the oil is shared between the engine and the Blackstone gearbox. Now, as the pump has two positions, one to pump from the engine sump and the other to pump from the gearbox, do you only fill with new oil via the filler neck on the side of the engine or do you need to add oil to the gear box via some method that isn't obvious to me? And if you only fill via the engine why does the pump have the two positions? Cheers, Squeezy.

All very interesting (mostly!). I have to say it irks me a tad when people refer to my lovely home as a 'barge' but I forgive them their ignorance usually. But I have to confess on occasion to deliberately antagonising the 'cognoscenti' by referring to her as my 'ship'. Makes me chuckle every time. Cheers, Squeezy.

What a helpful bunch! Thanks ever so much everyone. I'll investigate the avenues mentioned, cheers again, Squeezy.

Hi Folks, Hope you're all keeping warm in the freeze up. I wonder if any of you could help me. I have vague memories of hearing/reading that there was a way for the owners of older boats to prise a free or reduced licence out of the BW/CRT bods. I have a 1958 Thames Launch Works river class former butty (BW). (Now with full cabin and motorised). Could anyone confirm or dispell this memory for me? Or even better confirm it and tell me im eligible and how to get one! Sorry if this has been covered before. I'm struggling with the search facility as I only have a smart phone no PC. Cheers, Squeezy

23. Make a LONG list of all the jobs you want to do on her and then 10 years later when you buy your next one realise you only got 25% of them done and you need to finish the other 75% in order to sell her BEFORE you start on the long list for your new 'un!

Off at last Mandy! Have a great time! (I'm sure you will!!) we'll all miss you and Bonny at Hunts Lock. I wonder if you'll come back?? To paraphrase Bilbo Baggins, you never know what adventures you'll have when you step out of your front door! Take care X

Thanks fellas! The Widdop was replaced by the previous owner Don sometime during the 10 years he had Taw. No idea where it went. I got a nice photo' from Tim at Braunston of one of the River class buttys being towed through some locks on the Northampton by a horse that was apparently provided by BW for the purpose! Can't tell if it's Taw or not but it's getting framed and going on the wall anyway.

A friend of mine describes cats as 'furniture with an attitude problem'! Horses for courses I guess )

@ DMR, small steps, slowly. As for the barbed wire adventure, been there....several times. I always had rough coated lurchers before these two and they had much, much tougher skin. I should have listened to the bloke who advised me to marry a vet if I was going to get smooth coated hounds!! Squeezy

@ Aiden & dmr, my two are both lurchers. I think they're ideally suited to boat life; they love the country walks and tear around the fields and woods then curl up on a chair/bed/dog basket and snooze the rest of the time!! Re' the separation anxiety, I used to re-train 'challenging' dogs for the RSPCA in a former life and found a regime of gradually extended periods of separation starting with you being in a different room then outside the boat then down the moorings a bit etc. main thing, take it slowly, very slowly. If you persist it'll pay off. Another tip is to leave the radio on low too, something talky @ Aiden & dmr, my two are both lurchers. I think they're ideally suited to boat life; they love the country walks and tear around the fields and woods then curl up on a chair/bed/dog basket and snooze the rest of the time!! Re' the separation anxiety, I used to re-train 'challenging' dogs for the RSPCA in a former life and found a regime of gradually extended periods of separation starting with you being in a different room then outside the boat then down the moorings a bit etc. main thing, take it slowly, very slowly. If you persist it'll pay off. Another tip is to leave the radio on low too, something talky like R4, or classic Fm can work for some. However the very best strategy I found was to get them a doggy mate. Two's company after all an it's no more bother really. Good luck, Squeezy Sorry big thumbs on the mobile!!