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Hi there, I am looking to sell my two Kelvin TASC-8 diesel engines, from 1986. The box is not available, but all ancillary parts are available. 8 cylinders, 31 liter. 440 hp, rpm 1200. I thought there may be a collector out there interested, or a company who could find the parts useful. Does anyone know a place that would take these off my hands? Thank you for your suggestions.

Hi all, I am a new boater, excited to be on the canals, enjoying the experience, and learning a lot in a short period of time. After a recent visit from a River Canal Rescue (RCR) engineer, who was very helpful, I found myself in need of a tank clean and an informal recommendation to use Tankbusters. As this seems to be an issue many boaters will come across at some point I thought an honest review of the Tankbusters service and what to expect from their pricing would be useful. I've seen a request on this forum for advice too. I called Bruce from Tankbusters and after a pleasant phone call ended with a quote for cleaning the fuel tank on my narrowboat which amounted to £275 for a "base clean and removal of contaminants", plus extras and the hire of their generator, filters and £0.22 per mile for travel. A few days later Bruce and his Wife arrived in their van. The actual tank cleaning was pleasant enough. We helped with the fetching and carrying of equipment from the van, the Tankbusters along with a very friendly fellow boater helped us pull my boat a short distance to the nearest bridge. Before Bruce started I asked how much the actual total would come to and in a joking way Bruce told me a story about a large river boat "at least twice the size of yours" whose tank he had recently cleaned "they had change from a grand" at the end of the process. This was given across with a joking reassuring tone the implication being "so yours will be nothing like that". With the £275 quote at the time I was assured that all would be well. During the cleaning conversation flowed, and I kept the tea and biscuits coming. The Tankbusters gave me a few samples of the nitrile gloves they were using, we used my power cable for their generator. For interest, the process was simple, a generator runs a pump connected to a long metal nozzle and a filter, sucks up the diesel, filters it and runs it back into the tank. This is repeated as required. At the end of the cleaning (approx two hours) I was given three diesel samples from my tank, a sample pre-cleaning, a sample post-cleaning and one Tankbusters considered as minimal requirements for any diesel we put into the tank. I was advised strongly against taking fuel from any work narrowboats on the canal and informed I should take the "minimum requirement" sample to any refueling station from here on in and not to refuel if the diesel was dirtier than the sample. When it came to starting the engine up, the Tankbusters sprayed a little quick-start to get things moving. We helped pack the gear away I was given an invoice for the job (which I confess I did not pay close enough attention to - it was getting dark and I wanted to move the boat to out of sight of the bridge to moor overnight. We said goodbye with the understanding we would take care of payment the next day. The next day I looked at the invoice for the service, this amounted to £679.70 The original quote was £275 The extras had totaled £407.70 Water filters (£192) 1 micron filter bags (£68) Fuel additive (£24) All year fuel additive (£18) Generator (£12.50) Mileage had been added at 0.55p a mile. (£90.20) I called Bruce to discuss the invoice, he insisted that I has misheard the cost per mile for travel, I had written this down during the quote conversation and certainly would not have been happy with 0.55 a mile. I also communicated that I believed he had over charged me for an extra set of filters (£94) which had not been used and also that I believed he had misrepresented the final cost of the job when he had given me the quote. He told me the invoice was correct and that he cannot give a full quote at the time of quoting as he does not know the full extent of the job before arriving. Personally I think it would be an honest better practice to give the price of the filters and a general impression of the final cost. Also to give the correct price for mileage. The next day Bruce called and informed me the 4 water filters were added accidentally to the invoice and he would subtract them from the total. I requested an updated invoice to reflect this which I would pay. Bruce demanded I paid the full amount before sending the invoice and after a back and forth of text messages Bruce agreed to produce the invoice. I pressed the point for an invoice as by this time I was concerned at the amount of trust I should have and I wanted to cover myself in case something more were to happen. Bruce emailed the invoice through, a total of £583.70 (still a £308,70 difference) & I paid. On a personal note, I would consider that if the 'extras' for a job are to exceed the quoted price to this extent then an explanation of these costs of those extras should be explained at the time of the quote. The jovial demeanour and impression over the phone in my case certainly did not reflect this and was, in my opinion a calculated decision. Now I must stress that this was my personal experience and I have no experience with any of the Tankbusters team beyond Bruce. Obviously it goes without saying that you are free to make your own choices. My sincere hope is that my experience is useful to anyone who is looking to have their tank cleaned in the future. As a new boater (and as such in a vulnerable position) I certainly would have benefited from this information and I would have made a very different decision at the time. It is probably obvious that I had a disappointing experience here but I have tried to be as objective as possible so other boaters might benefit from the experience either way. Happy boating!

Hello! We are looking at purchasing our second Narrowboat, one vessel that we have viewed has Hurricane Diesel Hot Water Central Heating System. When tested it was quite noisy, does anyone have experience with this type of system?

Our boat in France has an ancient (1950s/1960s) Mercedes OM312 engine. We recently went out to the boat for the first time in 18 months (due to Covid etc.). Much to our surprise while it was dirty outside and needed a thorough clean it was mostly OK. In particular the solar panels have kept both Leisure and Starter batteries in good condition. The engine even started fairly easily but immediately tried to rev itself to pieces so I had to close it down immediately. I tried a few more times but it did just the same. So, presumably, the governor has got stuck. Does anyone here know if likely failure modes? I'm pretty sure it's a centrifugal governor and I do have a manual for the engine but if I can go back with a few pointers it would be helpful.

Apart from the various fuel boats mentioned, as a newcomer to the boating world could anyone advise on what diesel delivery options are available? I'm keen to know what the normal mode of delivery (or perhaps collection) is and an indication of price. We'll be bringing the boat back to Debdale from Dudley at the end of feb (if the fitting out is completed) so we'll need some diesel.

Hello, On my beta 38 (4cylinder bv1505) there is always a small amount of diesel around the injectors after I've run it for a while. I've cleaned it up with tissue paper, and when I run it again, the diesel returns. It's not a great deal, but enough to make a nasty smell and smokey engine room. I wondered if I needed to put new washers in the injectors? You can't see anything leaking if you look at the injectors (carefully) while the engine's running, but the diesel is certainly there after an hour or two. The engine was run up by a good engineer, so I expect that the injectors are tightened up correctly, but this might not be the case. I'd really appreciate any suggestions! Thanks! Patrick Vale

I'm considering installing diesel heating on my 57ft boat. Not yet made the decision on whether to go Eber or Webasto. My question concerns the best method of mounting the parts in the engine compartment. Searching the web I've seen the various parts mounted around the compartment, or grouped together on what looks like a plate or painted board. All on a board looks neater to me such as in the picture I've attached. Is it normal practice to get nuts welded on to secure the parts, clip hoses and so on, or is there a better way? I could drill and tap into the bulkhead, or am I then opening myself up to lots of noise being transmitted into the cabin? I've picked up on the 22mm pipe for the feed and return lines to the rads - Is it acceptable to go through the bulkhead at 15mm then increase afterwards? The picture seems to show 15mm polypipe coming off the Webasto. I believe I need to get the install commissioned properly once I've done the install to check the burn etc. Can anyone recommend someone in the Loughborough / River Soar area? Thanks a lot

Considering current oil prices I was wondering if red diesel is going to get cheaper ?? No changes in London so far, still 90p/l Did anyone observe any price changes elsewhere ?

Hi Just thought I should introduce myself, my name is Andrew Knight from Marine Power Solutions. We have been supplying inboard marine diesels for about 8 years and have sold about 750 in this time. In the new year we are bringing out a new range of dedicated inland waterways engines, these will be keel cooled with water cooled exhaust manifolds, twin alternators, deluxe control panel all as standard. If anyone would like further information, please contact me here or email andrew.knight@marine-power.net. You can visit our website for more information, the pictures of the keel cooled engines are not correct. When we have the new model, these will be updated. The engines will be painted in British Racing green and finished to our high standards. Gearbox options include mechanical or hydraulic versions, our standard fitting is with PRM but any others are available. Many thanks for taking the time to read this, I thought it would be useful to this forum to see that there is an alternative supplier who sells at the right price. Andrew

Hi everyone, hope you had a nice Christmas! Stupid question, but I just wanna make sure: I can use normal diesel from a petrol station for my narrowboat, right? I know red diesel is cheaper, but I might not have time to wait for a coal boat and not enough fuel to travel elsewhere. Just wanted to make sure using normal diesel won't harm the engine (Lister SR2). Sorry if this is a dumb question. Cheers and happy new year

Hi! Are there any fuel boats planning a trip to the Camden area before the weekend perchance? Tasha

Hi. I am having an on-going issue with my Vetus M414 engine losing power and being unable to rev above about 1500rpm. It will idle fine and run at tickover in gear for a couple of hours quite happily, but within 10-15 minutes of running at 4mph cruising speed, around 2400rpm it will start to coughs bit and then lose power. dropping to neutral it will then run very roughly for a few minutes before picking up again. It is behaving as if it has run out of fuel, but my tanks are full (I have checked).. I have found that bleeding the filter whilst still running the engine, both in gear and at idle, will restore the power, but obviosuly this isn't right or indeed safe especially as it always does it in locks and at swing bridges. I initially suspected an air leak into the fuel system, but having replaced a number of suspect pipes and copper washers it still does it. I have also wrapped every possible joint in grease and I am now sure there is no air ingress. So I have turned my thoughts towards either the electric fuel pump, which is only 2 months old, but isn't as quiet as I would have expected it to be, it makes quite a loud clicking noise, or I have also wondered if the pressure release valve between the bottom of the filter and the return line maybe at fault and not retaining the correct pressure within the system and therefore not allowing enough fuel up into the high pressure pump and instead returning much of the fuel straight back to the tank. Any thoughts would be most gratefully appreciated as this is really winding me up now and spoiling many weekend cruises. Generally the engine sounds as sweet as anything, no smoke to speak of and indeed it managed to tow a broken down vessel 12 miles back to our marina, all be it fairly slowly, so I know there is nothing mechanically major wrong. Thanks

Hi Can anyone recommend a suitable engineer/mechanic who could help us rebuild/overhaul our Lister HR2 air-cooled twin-cylinder engine - preferably in situ in our Northwich? We are in N London, based on the Regents Canal, but would move her to the right person for the job. We are a charity running a community boat. Thanks in anticipation. Tony

Hi there, I've got a problem with my BMC 2.2 diesel engine that is giving me no end of trouble - any knowledge or advice would be much appreciated. Basically, the engine starts fine with the normal amount of smoke which dies down after a short while. The boat runs nicely, doesn't hunt or miss and will run for over an hour whilst moored up either just on idle or revving the engine during the process. The problem occurs when I go up river. After about 10 minutes of cruising at a slow speed the revs drop . If I push the throttle forward then the revs pick up again but after a while they drop again. This happens repeatedly until the throttle is fully open but the engine is only doing perhaps 1000 rpm. The engine will then stall and not restart. After about 10 mins the engine starts and all seems fine but again it will do the same after another short run up the river. At no point is the engine overheating and is maintaining about 60 degrees when warmed up. So far I've done the following. Replaced fuel pump and all filters. Emptied and cleaned tank and put in fresh diesel. Cleaned air filter. Replaced fuel pipe on inlet side. Checked and cleaned tank vent (and tried with fuel filler open) Checked for diesel bug. Bled (several times) filters, injection pump and injectors. I'm really stuck on what it could be. Any suggestions? Philip

https://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/court-rules-against-HMRC-over-red-diesel.aspx Any thoughts?

Hi. Just back from looking at a boat and thinking of making an offer. However, this particular boat has its' fuel tank in a thick plastic container on the stern deck. Haven't seen that before and wondered if anyone else had? Should I be concerned about this? Is it hazardous in any way? Also, is fuel theft a problem on our waterways? Any advice much appreciated.

Dear Forum, First post! We are fitting out our boat and want to replace the solid fuel stove for a diesel heater. Lockgate/Morso Squirrel and Kabola Old dutch seem to be our favourites in terms of design and I hear they are both reasonably reliable. Problem: I can't find a single chandlery, place, person who sells them. Lockgate is not responding Kabola.nl doesn't list them kuranda marine - kabola's distributor in UK - only list the OD7 which seems a bit much for our 40ft as it has 7kw. Could anyone advise where to get either of the above? I am leaning towards the Old Dutch 4. So I would be super happy if someone could point me in a directin. Thank you Forum. Phelan

Hello, My Canaline 38 unexpectedly cut out last week. Through following instructions of a competent mechanic we filled up the tank with diesel, drained water out of both fuel filters, changed two fuel filters, pulled through fuel the diesel until there was zero water content and then tried to start the engine. It's turning over but not starting. Any thoughts? Thank you Jo

Hi I had my Lockgate diesel-fuelled stove serviced a couple of months ago, but have been unable to test it due to an apparent blockage in the fuel line. Now that the weather's beginning to turn, I need to sort it out. It has been suggested that I get a simple pump and install it inline, close to the stove. This will allow me to run it very briefly until I can see fuel entering the bottom of the stove, then flick it off again. I'm not sure, without removing wooden panels, whether I have a 12v supply near the stove but I definitely have 240v as there is a wall light right next to it. So, I'm thinking that 240v will be fine, especially as I will only want to run it for a few seconds at a time and when I'm on the cut, this won't draw too much from the battery bank. Has anyone else done this before? Can you recommend a pump? Is this a good idea?? Many thanks

Hi all, Long story short, I had my pump reconditioned some months back. It's always ran like crap at idle but luckily on Saturday a mechanic came out and sorted the timing out and it sounds great now, not perfect but good enough without getting the pump off and using a timing tool. Anyway, the pipes that come out of the back of the pump seem to be leaking around the nut, hard to tell as I've ran out of TP and Kitchen Roll but it would make sense as these were slackened to turn the pump. Is it just a case of removing the throttle plate and making sure they're all tightened up or are there any washers in there that may have likely perished?

Hi I want to purchase a Corner Bubble Stove like this... http://www.bubbleproducts.co.uk/info-(bubble-corner-oil.html Can anyone recommend a certified installer in the Milton Keynes or surrounding area? Many thanks Adam

Hi All, So, after a year of living aboard a boat that only generates hot water via running the engine and slowly warming up water in the calorifier which is all over in a hot minute. Ive decided that its time for some home improvements, mainly in the guise of hot water. My initial thought was Webasto, but I read very recently that they don't like to work as just water heaters and need to do central heating as well. Lovely in times like this but I don't particularly want to be heating the boat via rads in the middle of the summer every time I want to do the washing up. Other thing is the quite high cost or purchase and what ever parts of the install I cannot do myself plus regular maintenance. Second thoughts a Morco gas boiler, but from what I see in the specs of the ones I've been looking at they only heat the water to 25C above the water temperature. Thats just not hot enough for most hot water requirements. Secondly I heard that BSS is wanting to phase out gas from boats so is investing is a gas boiler perhaps not wise. Immersion heater, to be honest I've done little to no research. Just the huge power output has put me off even considering it as an option. However knowing that my battery bank needs replacing and a new solar array is on the shopping list maybe it could work. I guess what I'm asking is what from the above is myth, what people are using, what you find the pros and cons of your set ups are and how much they have cost you to purchase/install. I've got a fair bit of cash to spend on the batteries the solar and the water heating I just want to make sure I spend it wisely and don't regret it in a few months years down the line! Look forward to hearing what you all have to say. Thanks in advance.

Hi all, So like the numpty newbie that I am smashed on the 24/7 heating to get through this cold snap and almost completely ran out of diesel. Resulting in the flame going out and the stove (a Morso squirrel conversion) sooting up quite heavily.. something thats never happened before. Any way I awaited a diesel delivery gave the stove a good clean out and froze to death for a couple of nights. I was hoping that a full tank of diesel would be all that was required to get some heat back in our lives. Not the case. The stove can be lit and burns a healthy blue flame but after about 20 minutes (can also hear a rather loud and fast dripping sound) the flame gradually lowers itself down the burner pot until its just a yellow flame burning away the remaining diesel in the hole where the fuel drips through until it burns out. Anyone have any ideas whats going on or what I can do to remedy this. I have used the cleaning rod, I have cleaned out the stove, paying attention to remove the coke from all of the little air holes in the burner pot. If I turn the regulator on I can physically watch the diesel entering the burner pot. The stove has been rock solid until running out of fuel, really need to get this sorted as its unbearably cold right now! Thanks in advance

Hello everyone! A friend of mine purchased a "Coventry Victor HDW" diesel flat engine. Unfortunately we do not have many information at all about this engine. I found some data on oldengine.org though. The engine's badge says HDA2, which implies it is an "A"ir-cooled engine. I believe the badge has been channged, as my friend's engine is definitely water-cooled. There are two parts, one on each side of the cylinders from which we do not know what they are for. Can anyone help? I attached pictures. Many thanks!