The Boater

Hi Bunny, that's quite a sad story, and it is going to be difficult but stick to your guns. Just on one point, I have been a mechanic since 1965 including 27 years of Motor Racing engine preparation and even with the most spectacular engine blow ups I have never known or even heard of a rear crankshaft oil seal melting. They are often damaged accidentally when they are fitted where the spring tensioned sealing lip gets caught as it is meant to slide over the boss on the crankshaft that it runs on. In the event of the engine getting hot enough to melt the rear seal it would have also melted the front crankshaft seal causing the oil to leak into the engine bay, but the distress of such a hot engine would be more than obvious. The other so called explanations sound like Bulls to me. It is a shame you are at the other end of the canal system. Good luck, Ian The Boater. 07704 249 523. Hi Bunny, that's quite a sad story, and it is going to be difficult but stick to your guns. Just on one point, I have been a mechanic since 1965 including 27 years of Motor Racing engine preparation and even with the most spectacular engine blow ups I have never known or even heard of a rear crankshaft oil seal melting. They are often damaged accidentally when they are fitted where the spring tensioned sealing lip gets caught as it is meant to slide over the boss on the crankshaft that it runs on. In the event of the engine getting hot enough to melt the rear seal it would have also melted the front crankshaft seal causing the oil to leak into the engine bay, but the distress of such a hot engine would be more than obvious. The other so called explanations sound like Bulls to me. It is a shame you are at the other end of the canal system. Good luck, Ian The Boater. 07704 249 523.

If you need any crew help let me know. Ian, The Boater. 07704 249 523

Sadly this is outside my normal range, I am more about the Tidal Thames and the Southern waterways. If ever you are single handed and need crew help from the Midlands down to the south then I am available to jump on the motorcycle to come up and help. I don't charge, but it is nice if I get fed and watered occasionally. This can be for a one day or longer trip if needed. If you need me in the future you can get me on 07704 249 523. Ian, The Boater.

One good thing that is easy to work with for the ceiling is old fashioned cork tiles, they provide good insulation and a good cushion for scraping your head.

Bump !

Bump !

I am able to reach you easily by motorcycle, but need a little advance warning of being needed. Ian.

Normally with a little more notice I can jump on the motorcycle and come to help singlehanded through flights, but I am already committed tomorrow. I may be able to come up on Wednesday morning if that helps. If you make a note of my number for the future it is 07704 249 523. Ian. The Boater. You will find me in Crew Swap section.

Hi Adrianne, it is good to hear back from you. Could you send the photos to ianbrownautos@gmail.com please, Ian, The Boater.

Hi Ceri, it was lovely to meet you yesterday it's a shame the river conditions conspired to prevent us getting the boat any further on. See you in a fortnight when I come as crew help again. Fingers crossed that there is no significant rain in the meantime ! Ian, The Boater.

I would certainly be available for two or maybe three weeks, and possibly my wife too. I have sent you a personal message. Ian.

Hi Adrianne, you may need to make one or two more posts so that you can read the personal message I sent you. Ian

Hi Adrianne, I am quite flexible on dates. I have sent you a private message. Ian.

Although you give the boats length you don't say how many crew you have room for. I certainly can do at least a fortnight with planning. Ian.

If you still need experienced lcrew help I have sent you a p.m. about availability. Ian, The Boater. 07704 249 523.

It is quite rare but if the starter solenoid shorts out it can damage the alternater and the wiring loom up to the ignition switch, not only the starter impulse wire but also the wires it runs next to. If you can gain access to different parts of the main loom at various places then carefully pare back the outer insulation to check the condition of all the wires inside. As previous posts suggested get a second opinion. whereabouts are you? Ian

If the gauge is electronically operated then it is likely to be a faulty sender unit. If it has only one wire going to it then you can test it by taking the wire off the sender and with the ignition on touch the wire down to earth. If the gauge needle climbs up to the top of the scale then it is the sender at fault. Ian.The Boater.

Normally I too would be happy to help but I am not free until the third week of April, Ian.

It is difficult to make an informed comment without seeing the mooring and knowing what kind of boat it is to be using it. I am quite often in your area on my motorcycle if you would like me to drop by. Ian.

One thing that often gets overlooked is that any Narrowboat that has an air-cooled engine such as a Lister is very vulnerable on the tidal Thames because of the positioning of the engine air vent in the hull. The wash from some of the boats is very considerable.

Although because of prior commitments I can't do the whole trip, but I can do a couple of weeks if it helps. I am experienced in wide beam boats and my home waters include the tidal Thames and Grand Union. Ian.

Take plenty of warm winter gear to wear, especially if there is an East wind. Enjoy it at this time of year when it is not so crowded, and the moorings are easy to find.

I know it is not about diesel prices, but if you are coming south and are single handed then I a free to help you through the Marsworth and if you get that far the Hanwell flights. Ian. The Boater. 07704 249 523