clintonr

Hi my starter battery was flat. I managed to jump start it. My question is can I use a normal 12 volt car battery charger on it but leave the battery in situ on the boat. I would be on board for the day whilst the charger is working.

I have noticed a very very small amount of water around the bleed screw on my skin tank I recently changed the antifreeze in the engine. What type of washer can I use to create a water tight seal. I used the old washer and can't remember what type in is.

Can I drain down my calorifier by switching off water pump and turning on hot tap. I want to drain down for winter. If I can't, how do I drain some water off calorifier. Is it then a case of switching on water pump to refill calorifier. If not how easy is it to do.

Thanks for advice from you all. Another question, the central heating side can be done via an Eperspacher or via a switch when the engine is up to running temperature I am assuming this switch operates a value and directs hot water in to the radiators so when I drain down the engine and skin tank will this drain the radiator's. Also can some one explain about my heating set up if I have got the value thing wrong, how does it all work.???

Hi a big thanks to all that have replied, how do you drain the water from the radiators as these are below water level is there some sort of device that you put on the drain tap to pump/suck the water out and away in to a container.

Hi I think i need to change the Antifreeze in a Barrus Shire 45 Hp engine with a skin tank. She is our first narrowboat and the previous owner changed it 3 years ago or maybe 2 he was unsure. I took an antifreeze reading with one of the Antifreeze glass testers and it read -10. How easy is it to do and what pitfalls need I look out for (airlock ect). Any idea how much water the cooling system holds or do I need to drain it carefully into containers so I know the quantity. Also what is the right mix of antifreeze to water ? Along with this i would like to put antifreeze it to the central heating radiators on the boat again what mix would be best. I apologize if this subject has been covered before. As a newbie owner any advice/help/suggestions will be very much appreciated. Nearly forgot what brand of antifreeze would you suggest i use and can i use the same in the cooling system as well as the central heating system. Clinton The central heating can be powered by the engine I think the system must have a valve that is activated when I switch the central heating switch on diverting the heat away from the calorifier, as the engine heats the calorifier and a towel in our shower room it sounds similar to your system. Have read about Ankorsol is it really as easy as just pouring that in. What about the central heating system and antifreeze I foolishly didnt take a reading of that so it may not have any antifreeze in system.