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Withywindle

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Everything posted by Withywindle

  1. With a heavy heart I just removed our ageing 12v fridge and replaced it with a 240v model. I did this because I couldn’t get a 12v model which would fit the rather odd sized fridge gap in the galley. I have been pleasantly surprised, having expected problems. The 12v fridge was worn out, I suspect it had lost most of its refrigerant and consequently the compressor was running far more than it needed to so it had clearly been putting a high drain on my batteries. They are in much better shape each morning than they ever were with the old 12v fridge. My beer is also much cooler. 👍 The best is that I sold the old 12v fridge on eBay as ‘parts or not working’ and got more for it than the new 240v fridge cost! The chap who bought it was a non boater who was intending to run it off a single solar panel in his garden shed and keep cold drinks in it. I tried to subtly point out some of the flaws in this rather hair brained idea but he was having none of it!
  2. Just an update to conclude this. I received a reply from Beta Marine who confirm that the 6PK1300 is indeed correct. My engine build is an unusual one for Colecraft with the Travel Power Generator and consequently the part number for the belt is not widely listed. Thanks to everyone who responded. As ever your advice and comments where very useful.
  3. That’s great thanks, although it now looks like my belt will be different to yours. The travel power is indeed a great bit of kit, not something I was looking for when we bought the boat, but it’s been a real bonus.
  4. Well that’s true, you’re right of course and the belts I have do fit albeit they’re at the very maximum end of the adjustment. It’s just the way they run too close to that Allen bolt that is bugging me. I guess I just want to know the correct size, hopefully I’ll get a reply from Beta soon.
  5. Quick update. After further digging just realised my belt is an unusual one as I have a Dometic Travel power unit installed. Part number is 214-04218. Oh joy! Still need to verify belt length but probably only Beta Themselves will be able to answer. Thanks for all of the help and sorry my original post was misleading.
  6. Now that is interesting. Your belt is over 7cm shorter which reinforces my hunch that the belts in my service kit are wrongly sized. I don’t suppose you have your original operator maintenance manual? If the Beta part listed in it is either 214-0613 or 214-0614 then that would confirm we have the same engine and I’m running the wrong belt size. If you see what I mean. Update: See my latest post below - I’ve been quoting incorrect part numbers. So unless you also have a Travel Power unit our belts will be a different length. Thanks, it all looks to be in alignment. The previous owner a marine engineer had the belts running rather looser than I would have done, but they say better loose than over tight as that can prematurely wear the bearings. So I left them. I now think the belt may have jumped on the crankshaft pulley as a result which caused it to shred. You live and learn. I’ve fitted the new one somewhat tighter but I’m still concerned how close it runs to the adjustment bolt hence trying to establish the correct sizing. I’ve asked Beta for the correct belt length for my engine but haven’t had a reply yet. I suspect they may just say buy a Beta genuine belt for peace of mind. We’ll see.
  7. I’m after some advice regarding the top mount 70amp top alternator belt fitted to Beta 38 engines. This is the one dedicated to the domestic battery bank. I bought my boat last year and the previous owner left several new spare belts for this alternator ranging in size from 6pk1295 to 6pk1305. The current belt a 6pk1300 failed yesterday. I’m pretty sure this was as a result of the belt wearing on the outside edge due to its perilously close proximity to the adjustment Allen bolt. If you have a Beta 38 you may well know what I mean by this. If the belt is on the loose side it can touch the adjustment bolt momentarily when the engine accelerates up, or at least it appears to on my engine. Anyway I’ve replaced the belt but I’m starting to wonder if the previous owner had bought the correct size spares. A used one he left has the same ‘tell tale’ wear line. Beta part number is 214-02614 but predictably they don’t state the actual belt length! Can anyone tell me the length of the genuine Beta belt so I can confirm I’m using the correct size? It should be printed on the outside edge. If I am indeed using the correct size belt, I’m considering replacing the current Allen bolt with a regular hex bolt which my measurements indicate will provide much better clearance. Again, has anyone thought about doing this?
  8. To answer my own original question. I’ve now been down to Stourport and I’m heading back. The Bratch no longer sell pump out cards but the lock keeper there, an excellent volunteer called Shelley, told me all the volunteers are very keen to sell them and are putting pressure on CRT to make it happen. I later met my former CRT colleague who is also keen to get things going and as a first step is opening a shop at Stourport which will sell them and take contactless payments rather than cash. We discussed the ideas of adapting the machines and I think it will happen in time but in the meantime he’s doing all he can. Small steps, but sometimes, particularly with organisations like CRT this is better than no progress at all.
  9. This post cannot be displayed because it is in a forum which requires at least 10 posts to view.
  10. Funny enough the same thing nearly happened when I used the same machine at Wheaton Aston today but in my case it didn’t quite run for long enough and I had to use a card in the end! I pushed my luck a bit too far and gave the tank a good rinse, then suddenly the credit ran out. I sent my message using the ‘contact us’ form on the website. I got the usual acknowledgment screen, saying thank you for your enquiry and I would receive a reply within four working days, then nothing. I’m starting to wonder whether it’s being monitored.
  11. Indeed, totally agree, but that would also need Lee Sanitation who make the ‘kit’ to improve their machines, probably a bridge too far right now.
  12. I once worked as a seasonal lock keeper. My observation is that 99% of people are wonderful and 1% are plain unpleasant. You can’t pigeon hole boaters either, the bad ones inhabit all types of boating. You won’t change them. They exist in all walks of life too. If they weren’t stealing a lock from you, they’d be stabbing you in the back at work or stealing your sun bed while on holiday in the Med. It’s just the way they are, they usually end their days bitter and lonely.
  13. Well I’ve sent two messages to CRT now on this subject and they’ve duly ignored them both. I have however found somewhere that does sell them on my way south - that’s Talbot Wharf on the Shroppie. So I’m sorted for now but will ask when I get to the Bratch next week. I had an idea a while back about how CRT should sell pump out cards, and that is they should put them on Amazon, but with Amazon handling all the fulfilment. That way boaters like us could order them ahead for collection at Amazon’s huge network of pick up points such as local Post Offices and other convenience stores. The current system of ordering them for delivery to your home address when you’re on the move is pretty much useless for most boaters I think. Most people I’ve mentioned the idea to think it would be a brilliant system, but getting CRT to agree would be an uphill battle that sadly I currently don’t have the time or inclination for right now.
  14. Can anyone tell me whether CRT still sells 'pump out cards' at the Bratch Locks on the Staffs Worcester? (I know there's no actual pump out facility there.) I know they used to sell them 10 years ago because I was the seasonal lock keeper and had a stock of them along with CRT keys and a few other bits and pieces. I sent a note to CRT asking the same question but never got a reply.
  15. I agree but the problem I’ve found with both FSX and probably LSX is that they need a short while to cure. If the joint weeps in the meantime it doesn’t stick properly as I found out, and had to have two attempts, other than that Fernox stuff is great. If my current temporary repair with FSX fails I’m going the give Silweld Tape a go. I bought a roll ready for that. It’s brilliant stuff for binding the frayed ends of mooring ropes too.
  16. I sympathise. I’ve got a very similar leak from a connection to the calorifier circuit. Just a few drips a week but irritating nonetheless. Same scenario, a connection between brass and steel. I’ve smeared some Fernox FSX on it and it’s just about stopped, but I’m not holding my breath it’ll last. Like you however I’ve decided it’s not worth draining the lot down. C’est la vie I guess.
  17. What happened in the end? Did you find a solution?
  18. Could it be this place maybe? - SPA Silicone Hoses
  19. Funny you should say that I got a quote from Beta yesterday for a set of all of the 'bespoke' hoses on the '38' Greenline engine. I'm in the process of looking at it, one is basically a re-badged Kubota hose which can be cheaper to buy elsewhere, another one is just an ordinary 28mm 90 degree elbow, the others would have to come direct from Beta. Then I'd need the generic hoses for the skin tank and calorifier. Your right though, Beta Marine parts are a tad pricey. I came across this company, Hose World which seems to be the most competitive for the generic stuff and their range is huge and appears good quality.. Thanks for all the comments from folks running with hoses as old, or older than mine it's put my mind at rest but I think I'll start pulling together a spares kit soon and possibly swap them over when it's time to change the coolant... now there's another discussion. I won't go there for now, lol!
  20. This was exactly my thought… ‘some things have improved with time’. Nevertheless running an engine with a set of hoses getting on for 20 years old kind of ‘bugs me’ hence my original post. On the other hand the cost and inconvenience of changing them is going to be considerable, so maybe I’ll just keep a close eye on them based on the advice given here and carry on.
  21. They’re in very good shape visually and my engine bay is clean and tidy, however they could well be the original 2005 hoses hence my concern. Even modern EPDM hoses must have a lifespan 🤔. Perhaps I’m meeting trouble halfway?
  22. I bought my first boat last year a 2005 Colecraft with a Beta 38 engine. Can I ask advice on how often people change their engine coolant hoses? When I first started driving back in the 1970s I remember vehicle coolant hoses seemed to deteriorate very quickly and you really had to keep a close watch on them to avoid disaster. Now with modern EPDM rubber you never seem to hear of problems and they generally last the life of a car. Narrowboats are clearly very different beasts and live a lot longer, so what’s the collective wisdom on renewing hoses? I’ve had a look through the forum and very few people seem to mention changing them as part of their maintenance schedule.
  23. Thank you both I'm grateful, that confirms my measurements then. It's funny I searched high and low on Google but drew a complete blank, well found Alan I'm impressed!
  24. Hope someone can help? I'm looking to renew our ageing 18 year old LEC L45M 12v fridge, the original one fitted by Colecraft when the boat was new. Our boat is currently tucked up for the winter on our marina which is two hours away from me. When we last checked on her I measured the fridge so I could research a replacement which would fit the into the gap. Problem is I now think I've messed up the height measurement. My notes say it's only 820mm high but that doesn't seem to correspond with the vast majority of fridges currently on the market which are a little taller. Is there anyone out there who is currently on their boat and has a LEC R45M who would be kind enough to measure the height for me? It needs to be from the very top of the fridge to floor level ie not just down to the bottom of the door which is what I think I may have measured! Thanks in anticipation.
  25. I said I'd ask Starbrite and CRT about this issue and post a reply. Here's my message to Starbrite and their reply... Message: Hi, I live in the UK and I'm considering using your Pink Non Toxic (Propylene Glycol) antifreeze to winterise my canal boat drinking water system. Your instructions seem straightforward but a couple of friends have expressed concern that when I flush through the pipes in the spring the antifreeze will end up in the watercourse. I know Propylene Glycol is considered environmentally safe but can you confirm it OK for me to do this? Starbrite reply: Yes this would be perfectly safe, you just want to make sure it is completely flushed out after use. I sent a message along similar lines to CRT and received an acknowledgement but to date they haven't replied to the question. It's been five weeks, so I don't really anticipate hearing anything now.
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