Wet Weekend

Changed engine oil and filter (yet again) last Saturday. Vetus 4.15 engine. Obtained oil and filter from Halfords. Their 15W40 mineral diesel oil is API CF4 grade which according to the Vetus manual is approved for use in this engine. I noticed that an on-line chandlery were offering Champion F110 filters as an alternative to the Vetus STM 0051. I know Halfords aren't necessarily the cheapest, they cost £13.99 (5l oil) and £6.79 (filter), but they are better than most and readily available: Filter has slightly different external dimensions but fits and seals perfectly. Cruised for 1 1/2 hours afterwards and all looks good. Now to the point - is there a location on the forum where people can post this information for the possible benefit of others? There may not be a great deal of scope for this sort of thing on narrowboats but I've seen diesel CH system glow plugs mentioned where manufacturers seem to charge a premium and sourcing/ordering parts can be time consuming.

Radiomariner, thanks for the advice. Always good to get the opinion of those more experienced in these things. I have made a note to give this some attention when next in dock. Blackrose, I know all I can do is STBO but to summarize my own understanding, it seems that most boaters are probably like me, not quite sure what sort of blacking has been applied in the past and obtaining a different recommendation from every boat yard you consult. Entrusting a boat yard to undertake the work, as I did last time, is probably something of a lottery regarding chemical compatability, standard of cleaning/drying before application, curing before putting back in the water. My new blacking has lifted in a line below the kitchen sink drain, whereas below the engine exhaust outlet, where the old coating appeared to have dissolved a little, the new stuff is perfectly sound. A Jotun bitumastic was applied this time. What I do know is that most people seem to worry a lot about what's going on below the waterline - but at least you're keeping a close eye on it so you won't get any surprises. The best policy! If I'm feeling brave I might try the Isleworth Drawdock next year.

Blackrose, well done. That must have been 'exciting', and an excellent post when you must have been up all night keeping watch! Dedication above and beyond ..., I would say. This is what mine looked like after 2 years (having been pressure washed): This is the baseplate, but as it was resting on sleepers in drydock I didn't lie down in the mud for a close inspection, just held the camers low down and pointed it under the bow: Will it be Isleworth again next time?

I too have this gearbox, driven by a Vetus 4.15 engine. No failures yet (500 hrs) but my experiences re. clunking, wall of silence from Vetus, etc. are as everyone elses. Gearbox oil - my Vetus engine booklet specifies 'Engine oil SAE 20/30 whereas sticker next to filler states 'Use ATF only'. The original fill was certainly ATF, so when I have changed it I measure approx. 0.8 litre (as stated in Vetus engine booklet) and find that small quantity is vented as it warms through use. Level settles slightly above max mark on dipstick. If as stated above, lubrication is compromised when running in neutral, is that because there is some reliance on the output shaft providing splash lubrication? If so, perhaps we need to ensure gearbox oil level is as high as possible. I will also review my tendency to leave engine running whilst waiting for locks, etc.

Carlt, Fuzzy, where did you acquire these rules that determine what is or isn't someone else's business? Isn't it up to them to decide that?

I understand the needs of a woosey dog - a warm boat at all times is a basic requirement! My heating is diesel, so perhaps not very green. I hope others can offer something more helpful.

Here's another variation on the theme: Sink/bath drain from B&Q. 3/4 inch (19mm) brass hosetail glued with Araldite to overflow connection (cured in oven at 100C for an hour to help it flow into the joint). Base is sealed with the plug supplied. Its cheap, but not too nasty. It works, and with the shower tray sitting on the plywood floor the drain fits above the ballast. I grant you NASA may not approve .... but then again, having seen 'Apollo 13' ...

That looks amazing, Blackrose. Thanks for the detailed description, I think I will look into this a bit more and place on my 'Things To Do' list. Do let us know how you get on at the Chiswick Grid.

That sounds like fun. Is it a shingle bank or similar - nice and level? Do you use an anchor? I guess the two locks you refer to are at Brentford. I went through there last year but stuck to the main channel up to Teddington but I suppose around the back of some of the islands it could be quite shallow and sheltered.