Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, TheBiscuits said: The more information you give us, the more likely someone will offer to help. Is it an engine problem? Is it a gearbox problem? We need to know what the boat is or isn't doing - and if it only does whatever it does sometimes, what makes it do it. 60ft narrowboat, engine overheating within 30 mins of starting, coolant leaking and some other stuff. Not going to go down the online fix side of things. Mostly that assumes I'm competent to work out what to ask and what I should advice I should ignore. Thanks to all that posted about arranging a tow - comments appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_fincher Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 If it were (for example) something like head gasket failure, this is perfectly fixable by an experienced mobile engineer, without needing a tow to any yard. What engine type is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, alan_fincher said: If it were (for example) something like head gasket failure, this is perfectly fixable by an experienced mobile engineer, without needing a tow to any yard. What engine type is it? Barrus Shire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBiscuits Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 4 minutes ago, StationMaster said: Not going to go down the online fix side of things. I'm not suggesting you do so, just that the more information you give the more likely it is that a member will offer to look at it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) 8 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said: I'm not suggesting you do so, just that the more information you give the more likely it is that a member will offer to look at it for you. Wasn't really looking for someone to have a look at it more me just looking for advice. Please don't take this as an unfriendly comment. Edited March 5, 2019 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave moore Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 It could be worth giving South Island Marina a call, based at Ponders End on the Lee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 21 minutes ago, alan_fincher said: If it were (for example) something like head gasket failure, this is perfectly fixable by an experienced mobile engineer, without needing a tow to any yard. What engine type is it? Trying to find someone with good knowledge who is prepared to travel, then walk down a muddy towpath in this area isn't easy. Happy for recommendations though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 @bizzard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan de Enfield Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 minutes ago, StationMaster said: Trying to find someone with good knowledge who is prepared to travel, then walk down a muddy towpath in this area isn't easy. Happy for recommendations though. As previously asked "what is the problem" ? 32 minutes ago, StationMaster said: ...........engine overheating within 30 mins of starting, coolant leaking and some other stuff. Doesn't really cover it - what 'other stuff'. Its no use making recommendations for someone able to sort 'mechanicals' if the problems are 'electrical' or 'plumbing based'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, Alan de Enfield said: As previously asked "what is the problem" ? If I knew I'd tell you. 1 minute ago, Alan de Enfield said: Doesn't really cover it - what 'other stuff'. Its no use making recommendations for someone able to sort 'mechanicals' if the problems are 'electrical' or 'plumbing based'. Overheating, coolant loss and alternator issues - needs someone to view and see rather than me speculating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty40s Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, StationMaster said: 60ft narrowboat, engine overheating within 30 mins of starting, coolant leaking and some other stuff. Not going to go down the online fix side of things. Mostly that assumes I'm competent to work out what to ask and what I should advice I should ignore. Thanks to all that posted about arranging a tow - comments appreciated. The simplest possible fix to that problem is one of the easiest ones to do yourself. Bleed the skin tank. Look at the top of the skin tank for a fixing that looks like it could be removed. It will be one or the other end, possibly even on the top of the pipe fixing that enters at the highest point. Get a tool to undo whatever nut, screw,block...or if you are really lucky there may be a tap there. Start the engine and loosen said fixing. If you get any liquid running straight away it is a more serious problem. If you get air...let it carry on hissing out....until you get liquid out....then re-tighten. Your problem may well now be solved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 3 minutes ago, matty40s said: The simplest possible fix to that problem is one of the easiest ones to do yourself. Bleed the skin tank. Look at the top of the skin tank for a fixing that looks like it could be removed. It will be one or the other end, possibly even on the top of the pipe fixing that enters at the highest point. Get a tool to undo whatever nut, screw,block...or if you are really lucky there may be a tap there. Start the engine and loosen said fixing. If you get any liquid running straight away it is a more serious problem. If you get air...let it carry on hissing out....until you get liquid out....then re-tighten. Your problem may well now be solved. Will try that tomorrow but doubt it will sort why when I try pouring water into the header tank it then pours out of the filler cap on the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Tee Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 You have had two suggestions of the same person who lives (on a boat) in your area - I'll do it a third time - contact 'Bizzard' on this forum - if he can't help, he will know who can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, Mike Tee said: You have had two suggestions of the same person who lives (on a boat) in your area - I'll do it a third time - contact 'Bizzard' on this forum - if he can't help, he will know who can. I have done so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matty40s Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) 6 minutes ago, StationMaster said: Will try that tomorrow but doubt it will sort why when I try pouring water into the header tank it then pours out of the filler cap on the engine. It will if you have an airlock in the skin tank. Either that or your pressure cap has failed, seal gone. Edited March 5, 2019 by matty40s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyboy Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) 26 minutes ago, StationMaster said: Will try that tomorrow but doubt it will sort why when I try pouring water into the header tank it then pours out of the filler cap on the engine. If that's what happening, you're filling the engine the wrong way. On a Barrus Shire you fill via the cap/screwed plug on the exhaust manifold or thermostat housing until it's full, then put the cap/screwed plug back in place. Now fill the header tank. The header tank being higher than the exhaust manifold or thermostat housing will obviously empty out of the manifold/thermostat housing if the cap/bung is off. Edited March 5, 2019 by Flyboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 16 minutes ago, matty40s said: It will if you have an airlock in the skin tank. Either that or your pressure cap has failed, seal gone. My betting is that the seal has gone - engine was overheating but I tried to continue until a safe mooring was available - result lots of steam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 14 minutes ago, Flyboy said: If that's what happening, you're filling the engine the wrong way. On a Barrus Shire you fill via the cap/screwed plug on the exhaust manifold or thermostat housing until it's full, then put the cap/screwed plug back in place. Now fill the header tank. The header tank being higher than the exhaust manifold or thermostat housing will obviously empty out of the manifold/thermostat housing if the cap/bung is off. And if the cap/bung is supposedly screwed up tight would you expect it to leak under no pressure? This is why I don't like internet diagnosis when the poster that you are trying to help has only a little knowledge of engines. No offence to Flyboy intended Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyboy Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, StationMaster said: And if the cap/bung is supposedly screwed up tight would you expect it to leak under no pressure? This is why I don't like internet diagnosis when the poster that you are trying to help has only a little knowledge of engines. No offence to Flyboy intended No offence taken, I thought you were trying to fill it with the engine cap off. No it shouldn't leak. The cap seal is obviously faulty as others have said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted March 5, 2019 Report Share Posted March 5, 2019 4 hours ago, frangar said: ..I work on the principle that it might be me needing a tow one day! Quite right. I towed a motor and butty several miles, it was some charity or school. Wouldn't dream of charging. Even my little paddle-driven boat has towed several other craft, including a Big Rikky. When I got stemmed up on the GU in London, BWB sent a tug. No charge. Happier times, maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Brooks Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 9 hours ago, StationMaster said: My betting is that the seal has gone - engine was overheating but I tried to continue until a safe mooring was available - result lots of steam. That is a fair diagnosis but if the filler cap on the expansion tank and engine are similar then it is possible someone has transposed them or fitted an "ordinary" pressure cap. If they do look similar the one on the engine should have a rubber seal immediately under the cap. It may or may not have a spring thing hanging down but it is the cap to top of filler neck rubber seal that is important. This just takes looking and no further knowledge. If the engine filler is a metal screw in plug ignore this post. You seem to have enough posts to send Bizzard a private message Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyG Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 (edited) I seem to remember that hashtag bizzard likes a good bottle of port, this, from the late night post when he fell in 'the watter'. @bizzard Edited March 6, 2019 by LadyG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 13 hours ago, Alan de Enfield said: Have you identified which marina / workshop can do the work ? 13 hours ago, StationMaster said: No primarily because I want to find out how I'm going to get the boat there first, once I have an understanding of that I can start phoning around. Contact a local boatyard first. Then they can probably send a boat out to tow you in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 30 minutes ago, Tony Brooks said: That is a fair diagnosis but if the filler cap on the expansion tank and engine are similar then it is possible someone has transposed them or fitted an "ordinary" pressure cap. If they do look similar the one on the engine should have a rubber seal immediately under the cap. It may or may not have a spring thing hanging down but it is the cap to top of filler neck rubber seal that is important. This just takes looking and no further knowledge. If the engine filler is a metal screw in plug ignore this post. You seem to have enough posts to send Bizzard a private message I've been in touch with Bizzard by PM. Swapping the filler caps around works to stop the leak but engine still overheats. Wondering if my first option is to get a new filler cap and then see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p6rob Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 You mention an alternator problem as well as the overheating. Can you see if the fan belt is loose? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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