ArJayAytch

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An experienced fellow boater uses Ameron Amercoat - but when we tried to order some we were told it is obsolete and PPG have no direct replacement. What would others recommend? Or does anyone know where Amercoat is still available? Thanks Richard

Are there any issues about, say in an emergency, topping up the gas oil a n/b engine runs on up with a jerrycan of diesel from yer local garage? (I think I read somewhere that it's ok and garage diesel, with its additives, can help in the fight against 'diesel bug', not that we have a microbes problem in our boat fuel). Cheers guys. Richard

Have you tried the radio without an aerial? After I wiped out ours via an unplanned roof / swingbridge interaction we found reception very little different. The wiring up to where the aerial was is still in place, maybe that acts as an aerial itself. Richard

At the weekend our Attwood V500 threw a wobbly. Despite tlc since it runs for a few seconds, groans then blows its fuse. Seems like it's time to invest in a replacement. Question is, should we go for the same again or are there better ones for similar money (£15 to £20)? Thanks. Richard

I've spent an interesting and informative time reading the posts about solar power on narrowboats, but our wants seem a little different to many in the forum: We want to install a solar panel to help our fridge battery run longer before we need to run the engine. We get three to three and a half days after cruising before the voltage drops below the level needed for the fridge compressor to run. If a solar panel could extend that by two or three days, we'd be happy. The fridge (only) battery is 110ah, the fridge a Waeco which draws 4a if we understand the German website correctly. What opinions do you have about the wattage of panel needed, and what works for you? Thanks Richard

Alan: Yes it is like the 1.8 you show and I believe it is skin tank cooled, except that there is a plastic bottle raised above the level of the engine and out in the back cabin i.e. mounted in a corner above and outside the engine surround (ventilated wooden box). The reason for my post is that no liquid is now showing at all in the plastic bottle, although there are old 'tide marks' between the min. and max. levels. The engine runs sweetly and at an average temperature according to the thermostat needle. Cheers all, Richard.

Quick query please: Should I be checking the coolant level with the engine (BMC 1.5) off and cold, or running and warm? Thanks, Richard.

Thank you all for the info. and opinions. Richard

OK I know I have to warm the plugs for around 20s by turning the ignition on - but do I need to turn the key that bit further and see the voltmeter drop at the end of the 20s or for all of it? Cheers, Richard.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions and info. I'm impressed that I got 8 responses within a day! Richard

Can anyone offer an opinion, please, on the inverter wattage needed to power a vacuum cleaner? Thanks Richard