Greg_F

Where it has been dug away would that cause a noticable imbalance?

My friend recently had his boat "serviced", the guy came along and didnt have the right glow plugs (1.5 head on a 1.8?) so came back changed 3 out of 4 of the glow plugs and then declared the engine was on its last legs as the piston rings gone and the bores glazed. Anyway he asked me to have a look at it, but I must admit my exposure to diesels is quite minimal. The engine started on the dot and was a bit smokey, but nothing too excessive (for a boat!). The transmission seemed to make the most racket and the coupling looked a bit strange. What I assume is the crankcase breather pipe is spewing a fair bit of oil, so ive advised him to stick the pipe in a bucket rather then the intake. Anyway as he hadnt taken the engine for a lengthy run I thought it was best he just kept an eye on water and oil levels for now and probably get an oil pressure guage fitted. It currently has a very chinese guage fitted that isnt working, is it best just to start again with a new sender & guage (if so can you advise of where to purchase?)

So... did anything work in the end? I'd be very surprised if Jizer did the trick!

Yes sorry the embankment, I don't know the Nene or Peterborough to well I'm afraid! Two hours, making a four hour round trip sounds perfect

No its a shared boat, its been left near the park at Peterborough apparently. Id like to leave it there once we're finished, looking at canal plan it looks like the best bet is to head to Waternewton Lock No 35, turn round at the turning point there and head back.

Thanks for your replies guys, it would only be a day trip so shouldnt need to worry about bins & water as we will just take that with us when we go!

So just ask to over-take?

Being on the rivers and canals is all about slowing life down, if you're in a rush go and help them out in the lock! You never know you might even make a friend

Possibly going for a little trip on the river Nene this weekend, on Sunday. My father has warned me this can be a tricky river, and I will be on a 72ft narrowboat. I assume due to the recent good weather the river is in an ok state and not fast flowing etc? Is it very busy due to summer hols? Any help much appreciated

You haven't paid a deposit? No problem then surely? Just make a new offer minus the repair work for a boiler (probably better to fix it yourself then let the seller bodge it through for a sale).

The owners looked quite concerned when they saw me turning, good thing I didn't scratch their precious boat even though I had to lift my rear fenders to get past!

Mooring near turning points always gets me, turning a 72ft boat isn't the easiest maneuver at the best of times!

Thanks guys, perfect.

Is there an online map somewhere showing the turning points on the Gran Union? The guide book has been left on the boat The boat is currently near the Black Horse in Great Linford, and is pointing in the North/West direction (towards Wolverton), turning point needs to be big enough for 72 foot, I know there is one a mile or two down the canal but I want to know if there is one a bit further afield to make a 4-5 hour trip. Thanks

Went down Farmers Bridge today, "campsite" still at bottom lock and the happy drinkers were by the lock moorings. We picked up at the bottom of the lock and so did not communicate with them or have any problems, but could be intimidating.