PetersNarrowboat

Thank you for all your help now the problem appears to be resolved I thought I’d add the resolution so it hopefully helps others. Fuel and filters were clear but CAV filter was weeping fuel slightly, brimming the tank (which puts the whole system under positive fuel pressure) did not cure the issue nor did just changing the filter. I have now replaced the filter assembly (the old one had a plastic drain plug so it shouldn’t have passed its BSS anyway) and the issue appears to have gone. Having spoken to several people the common suggestion is the injector pump was occasionally able to suck air in through the filter instead of fuel. Hopefully it doesn’t reoccur next time I’m on a river!

Tony - really helpful thank you I assumed fuel starvation would cause a reduction in revs. Filters are usually clean but could be air will go over the system before tackling the gearbox.

Thanks all, gives me some things to investigate further, the problem wasn’t downstream on the Avon but upstream on the Severn. I’d cleared the prop at Tewkesbury and it was still clear at Worcester. There was no problem for the first four hours but oil would have been hot. My first thought was engine but revs were increasing not decreasing.

I have a 50’ narrowboat with a BMC 1.8 and a PRM 150 gearbox - 18 years old believed to be around 2000 hours use. Driven today on the river for about 4 hours running normally temperature rising to about 90 degrees as usual. Began to experience intermittent blips in engine speed (no rev counter so going by sound and feel). A fleeting rise in revs (1-2 seconds) and a return to normal no apparent loss in power or drive. Became more frequent and longer lasting so reduced speed and completed my journey. Back on canals gearbox and engine perform as usual, gearbox oil level is correct and oil is crystal clear. My thoughts are that the gearbox clutch is starting to slip but is this how they fail? Any help welcome Thanks Peter

Having done the Kennet and Avon I plan to re-join the Thames upstream to Oxford and complete the Thames ring back to Wellingborough. Doing it clockwise means I go upstream on the Thames giving more control.

I’m planning to take my 59’ narrowboat down the Grand Union and up the Thames and on to the Kennet and Avon in May this year. I’ve navigated solo for some time and have done the Leeds and Liverpool and the Huddersfield canals. I’m aware of the tide times and have booked passage through Thames lock, I have an anchor and VHF. What advice would you offer especially with regard to moorings (I don’t mind paying on the Thames) I’m unfamiliar with the lower end of the GU, the Thames and the K&A. Any advice appreciated. sorry typo should be 50’ narrowboat not 59’

Officially the chaperone drives but at the chaperones discretion you can drive providing you can be socially distant. On some boats this may mean the chaperone guides from the front but mine has a large cruiser stern so I was able to drive with the chaperone on the back.

I’ve done just that 😊

As a post script I though I’d post an answer to my own question now I’ve done the trip. Booked the tunnel for a Wednesday and via the CRT site also booked the Voulunteer Ranger Service for the Saturday prior and the Tuesday prior. Two volunteers (Trevor and Richard) met me at Lock 1E and made easy passage for me up to Slaithwaite in under 5 hours on the Saturday there was plenty of water and the locks all seemed well maintained although lock landings were few and far between. On the following Tuesday Volunteer Martin helped me up to Marsden - water levels were much lower and I’d have struggled by myself getting on and off the boat. The tunnel is fabulous but tight and the centre of the roof is often not aligned with the centre of the canal. I got through with two or three little scrapes. Going down on the West locks was comparatively easy. My recommendation would be to use the volunteer service- they are a brilliant bunch of true enthusiasts.

Thank you all, I shall plan on 4 days which should give me some contingency. Does anyone have experience of the volunteer ranger service and how it works?

Hi All, I’m planning to cruise the Huddersfield Narrow East to West in Mid July. Planning to get to the tunnel for a Wednesday passage through. When I book the tunnel passage it advises me to book a passage through lock 1E and offers the Ranger Service for assistance. How many days ahead of the tunnel passage should I book the lock and the Ranger service seems to allow booking for 1 day with a start point some 40 locks ahead of the tunnel - can’t see me doing 40 in one day!! If you’ve done it before can you share how long it took to get from 1E to the tunnel and where you stopped. Appreciate any useful advice or tips - already heard “Don’t do it”!!! Peter