MissTrish

I've been using Morris Golden Film 30sae in my 3LW the last couple of seasons on the advice of wiser heads here. This summer's ambient temperatures of 35-37 (Canal du Midi) worried me though, as spec says max operating temperature is 30. Oil pressure would drop to below 20psi, so we only moved in the earlier parts of the day. Should I be using another oil when faced with these conditions? Grateful for members' views.

A friend who has had long experience of Gardners recommended using Shell Gadinia 40 for southern France where we both have our boats. Summer temperatures are around 30 - 35 degrees. However spring temperatures are often not very different to uk. I've followed this advice for the last 3 years with no problems, but I am feeling slightly uneasy since said friend's big end recently failed on his 6LW. According to my manual SAE 40 is OK down to 10 degrees, while the upper limit for SAE 30 (from memory) is 30 degrees. I believe multigrades are not favoured for older engines. I'd be grateful for readers' thoughts about this and whether I should change oils. Jon Zee Otter

Doh!! Just cleaned my strainer in paraffin ready for winter shutdown and can't remember which way up the element went. One end has a threaded nipple, the other an indented orifice. It will go together either way but the nipple doesn't seem to engage with anything either end. Can anybody advise, please? Jon (aka Homer) Zee Otter