Iain_S

There is a location for the dipstick on each side of the Beta, about level with no2 cylinder. If a high level dipstick is fitted, it usually uses the left side of the engine, looking from the rear. If a low level dipstivck, it's usually on the right hand side, as that's the side that's easiest for servicing from. Some engines have both fitted. If you have a low level one, it's a good idea to paint the external bit white: makes it a lot easier to see.

Possibly totally irrelevant, but a generator I have a hand in looking after (Ruston Hornsby 4VPH) has a belt driven raw water pump where the only way of fitting/removing the belt is by levering it over the pulleys, which can be done by hand. It does help (in fact, it's essential!) that it's a linked belt, so adjustment can be made for wear by removing a link.

Must look at the whole thing closer next time

I had a bad experience with Vactan once, and that was user error. I used it on an engine bilge, but had failed to get it really dry. My reasoning was that, as it was wate based, a little extra wouldn't hurt. I suspect it never got really dry, as condensation set in overnight. It didn't last long!

We have these on Gamebird. We had a slight problem when the drainage slots in the top (chrome) cover got blocked. As the one in question was fitted on a cambered bit of the roof, it was really only one drain that was operational.

A booking charge has been in place for quite a few years now, but with free passage if slot available and you've not booked. Not sure how many, if any, free slots there are at the moment. We booked last time through, as the Weaver was just comng out of flood and we reckoned there would be quite a few boats in the same position as we were. Quite interesting, really: we arrived for our booked slot, moved to the holding mooring,, and were eventually informed that the lift couldn't be operated, as "they couldn't get the wedges in". We moved back to the visitor moorings, and got up the next day. Must confess I couldn't see how high water in the Weaver would affect operation of the wedges which compress the seals on the caisson, but it might be that the higher water level increased the weight of the up going caisson beyond operating parameters.

My memory is that when the colours changed from red and black to brown and blue, the 3 phase stuff did the same, hence 3 x brown. I think most manufacturers did use different shades, though.

But the specific rule does not cover every vessel. It is not uncommon for a general rule to be superceded by a specific rule; for instance, assault and Police assault. (I don't actually have a horse in this race, as no sea toilet!)

Is my memory failing, or did the "new" stuff go through a phase of brown, brown, brown and blue when Part P was first introduced?

Section 200 of the Port of London Act 1968?

And but for Vasily Arkhipov, you might well have done. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasily_Arkhipov_(vice_admiral)