120. Alternator Belts Replacement on my Narrowboat
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2020
- In this video, I thank viewers for their comments, encouragement and advice on the engine service and talk about my next cruising video. I then replace the two alternator belts for the starter and leisure batteries. I also go on my first lengthy drive since lockdown, to visit relatives, passing through countryside and villages on the way.
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Never understood why they put drain plugs in such inaccessible places, but all part of the joy of servicing your own engine. Thanks for the video. Stay safe.
The drain plug is a magnetic one, which should attract any iron filings and give an indication on the condition of the gears. There does seem to be a consensus that it is easier to pump the oil out rather than drain it, but not all agree. Take care. Cheers
Hi Alan knowing the make up of your boat , engine pumps etc is so important you are absolutely right to have a go yourself with an engine service as i feel it teaches you the basics which all us boaters need to have a grasp of .
Thanks for your support Kevin, much appreciated, some have thought I should give up, needless to say I don't agree.
Enjoyed the drive along today. So nice that you still have your dad. I know you cherish the time you are able to spend with him though it’s never long enough. Looking forward to the next vlog. Take care.
Many thanks Mary Jane, we do seem to be a long lived family though Dad has become the oldest so far. Keep safe. All the best. Alan
Hello Alan from Georgia, USA. Really enjoy your videos. There is a saying around these parts that goes like this. " Two happiest days in a man's life, First, when he buys a boat and second, when he sells it." I am a boat owner so I am still in the first one. Cheers.
That's very apt George, I like that. Over here we say BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand! Cheers, take care.
Do you know Alan, I follow probably 90% of boat tubers but I have to say, you are my absolute favourite bar non. I love your delivery style, content and detail. I think it's the warts and all style. So many tubers offer the 'polished ' version of narrowboating, often giving a distortion of daily narrowboat life.
Keep up with the great content, Jim
Hi Jim. I really don't know what to say or what colour I've turned but that's a much appreciated remark, thank you very much for your kind words and support. Take care, all the very best Alan
I was to excited when you mentioned Great Snoring. I actually stayed overnight in Great Snoring in 1980 at the Old Rectory. What I remember most was the thick Egyptian cotton sheets. Every time I moved, they seemed to crackle for the thick amount of starch. Most people thought I made up the of G. S. Hope you had a good visit with your dad. Best o you, Jane, Philadlephia
Hi Jane, I'm glad that brought back fond memories for you. The visit with Dad was great thanks. Keep safe, all the best Alan
You do grand videos if its 12 painting, rural tours, volunteering, or just on the cut, Your viewers are the ones that follow you crack on
Many thanks for your kind comment, cheers.
Thank you so much. I think it is good to learn how to do things yourself and that your not timid to try. I also enjoyed the ride along to see your Dad.... The stretch of road with all of those over hanging trees was lovely... Will be waiting to see you cruise. Nancy
Many thanks Nancy, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers
You carry on the way you are going, very interesting, ALAN, and other people will be watching and learning. stay safe.
Thank you, I will Les, cheers.
Droll. So droll. Somehow soothing.
Another great blog Alan. You always come over as keeping calm in a crisis which should be a lesson to us all :-)
Many thanks Ian, I tend to be fairly chilled out these days. Cheers
Excellent vlog again Alan, thanks again. It brightened my Monday!🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Neil, cheers Alan.
Hi again Alan
Your absolutely doing the right thing by learning everything you can, it may take a while, it may difficult sometimes but the next time you service your engine you’ll have far more knowledge, just remember that every expert used to be a beginner once upon a time, keep up the great work and videos, take care and stay safe
Many thanks for your support Kevin and kind words, I fully agree with all you say, cheers. Take care
Not painful to watch at all. Not everyone is a journeyman engineer/diesel mechanic. Good on you for gaining invaluable experience.
Seriously neither of the repairs in this episode nor the last were painful to watch. Well done.
Any time you can do something yourself is better.
Cheers,
Jeremy
That's great of you to say Jeremy and much appreciated. I have a far better understanding of the engine now than before I started, which is what I wanted to achieve. Take care, cheers.
Alan, sounds like there is some longevity in your family. Glad you could spend time with your Dad. I am a person with back problems and they can be quite annoying as well as painful, so take care and don’t push yourself.
You're right Kay, many family members have got into their 90s / late 80s. I hope your back isn't playing up presently, can be very debilitating. Take care, cheers.
Thank. You for your videos. I admire your outlook and I think you are a very intelligent man and learning about your engine is just brilliant. Keep the videos coming.
That is very kind of you to say Roger, your comment is much appreciated.
Thank you for sharing Alan. Hope your dad & family are all ok. Take care & be safe & well
Many thanks Anthony, all is well with my family, young and old alike. Keep safe and well. Alan
I love those driving videos. Beautiful country roads.
Glad you like them, cheers. Take care
Hi Alan- great job on the engine service and you make a great point that you should have knowledge of the mechanicals to be self sufficient if needed. Hope you had a good visit with your dad. Stay safe👍🏻
Many thanks Debbie, all was well with Dad and the family. Yes, it is important for me to have a good working knowledge of the engine. Take care, all the best Alan
Wow.....your dad is 96!!! Lucky for you....good genes! Yes...I love taking a drive in the countryside....... thankyou! I went to Cromer in a hire car when I was there in 2019. (From foxton). It’s Father’s Day this Sunday for us in the (penal)colony....I mean they have locked us up!!!
We are a reasonably long lived family, my father has attained the highest age and he is the last of that generation. North Norfolk is a lovely part of the country, quite a drive from Foxton. Enjoy your Fathers Day. Cheers Alan
Hi Alan... yes you are right I'm one of your armchair viewers unfortunately... You're living my dream.. For now I watch from my armchair in South Africa.... I love to see the countryside... One of the reasons I watch you guys... Best way to learn mate... Do it yourself... Loved the car trip....
Would love to know how "Little Snoring" got its name... Keep safe until the next one...
There's nothing wrong with that! Glad you liked the road trip. There is a Little Snoring and a Great Snoring, there is historical info to be found on Google but I don't know myself. Cheers. Take care
Thanks Alan,enjoy all aspects of your vlogs,take care.🔧.
Many thanks Rob, hope you're keeping well. Cheers
Overseas viewer here, and yes I love the traveling videos (the boat repair ones too!). It's great you got to see your father and other family. My parents died many decades ago, but my boyfriend's mother is 98 and doing pretty well. He had visited her only briefly a couple weeks ago as unfortunately in my state of Oregon the virus is surging. Thus, we are staying home more again and enjoying your wonderful videos! Thanks so much and look forward to more.
Hi, many thanks for supporting the channel, much appreciated. I hope things ease up for you, so you can visit your boyfriend's mother without difficulty. Keep safe, cheers Alan
I trained in the aircraft industry and used a bright light and a mirror to see in hard to get to places and still do nowadays. I find a mirror invaluable for lots of jobs. Your comment about not doing the servicing to save money but to get to know what's what is a good point, something more people should do, be it boats, cars or even computers. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next video. I will say as a PS last weeks video was hard work and I couldn't watch it all. Sorry. :)
Many thanks for your comment, I do use lights and mirrors to see into awkward places. I'm well aware not all viewers watch to the end for all manner of reasons, so there's no need to apologise. It's important you watch what you want to and enjoy watching. Cheers
It's good for you to do your own maintenance, well done.
Good for you visit your dad, enjoyed seeing the countryside.
Looking forward seeing more of your travels, take care.
Many thanks Jenn, I'm glad you liked the video. Next one is a cruising video. Cheers
I recently subscribed to your channel. I have been A RUclipsr for A good many years now, and I do my utmost to provide Vlogs that express some modest amount of interest to my viewers. Your A remarkable speaker. You communicate your thoughts remarkably well. Being from America I often find it difficult to understand may people from Great Britain due to their accent and rapid speech patterns. You however articulate and verbalize what you say very clearly, and I only wish I was as well spoken as you. Your videos are well worth watching because your eloquent way of talking. Stay safe in your travels up and down the waterways.... Walter Parks AKA Pwalpar
Hi Walter, what a kind and very generous comment, thank you so much, your words are really appreciated. I hope you'll look through my back catalogue and find many videos of interest. Take very good care. Cheers Alan
Hi Alan. Thanks for another interesting vlog. Hope you had a great time with your dad and family. Take care 😊
Many thanks Christine, it was great to see my Dad again. Keep safe Alan
I enjoy all the aspects of your vlogs. Very interesting
Thank you very much Gary, your comment is much appreciated. Cheers
Hi Alan, that was interesting, nice to see North Norfolk, we have an original water colour of the church at Little Snoring that was painted by a friend. We spent many summers camping at Saxthorpe, I think that is one of my favourite areas. Good to see the service coming on. I got out last week on the boat and start my journey to move it tomorrow, it should take me about six days to get to the new mooring on the Ashby Canal. I wasn't going to start till Monday but unfortunately my partner has to go into hospital on the 15th so I must be back by then so I'm gonna try and get as far as I can over the weekend, I hope it won't be crazy. Thanks for the vlog, cheers. Alan.
It's a lovely part of the country, I think that's why my brother moved up that way. We have some lovely/quaint village names in this country. I hope all goes well with your boat move and your partner's hospitalisation. Take care, all the best Alan
Thanks again for posting. All this information from you and other boat tubers is most helpful for a future boater like myself.
That's good to know Kev, I learn a lot from the replies and advice I receive from viewers but it does sometimes conflict, making it less easier to know what's best or not.
We used to keep the Cherry Tree at Catthorpe till we retired to our boat a couple of years ago. It was interesting to see you pass the Black horse in Cold ashby, which only today i found out has closed. Our pub heritage is in serious decline. Much the same as canals were sixty odd years ago. Stay safe matey.Regards from Spook.
Hi Phil, pubs have been having a hard time in recent years and Covid hasn't helped. Hope all is going well for you. Take care. All the best Alan
Learning is a wonderful experience. Just try not to make the same mistake twice and you will do well.
That's very good advice Don, thank you.
'Stupid Saturday' is tomorrow, and I wish you the best of luck in staying safe from those whose cognisance of the real world is perhaps not quite so sharp as ours! It is heartening to see the way you approach the jobs on your boat, with more importance given to doing it right rather than doing it quickly. Look after yourself, and mind your fingers!
Many thanks, your comments are really appreciated. I tend to agree, it's going to be pretty much the end of lockdown but 'm sure there is a realisation that the rules will be bent if not broken and I hope that has been taken into account by the decision makers. Cheers
As I understand, in March 2018 you took an 'early retirement' to live on the narrowboat. So, I presume that you are in your early '60's as you take on the maintenance tasks of that tiny engine in the boat. As one of the 14 narrowboat channels to which I subscribe and follow, you are to be commended as one of only three who attempt to do their own engine work when possible. The others are either afraid of messing up something, or just too lazy. I like your thinking that it will give you advanced knowledge that may come in handy if you are ever stranded while out on the canal somewhere. I am older than you , and have serious back problems too - but if I were in your shoes I would want to give it a try also. You have a distinct advantage over me, though. When you 'mess up', you simply flash that great little smile and prepare to do it all over again. I doubt that I would have that much patience - but that is one of your greatest strengths. 😊👍
Hi Gilbert, thank you so much for your very kind comment. I think it's important to have a working knowledge of the engine and to stay calm whenever possible though I do get a bit down when things don't go right. Mid not young 60s. Cheers, take care.
You are doing very well with your engine maintenance and hope you enjoyed your stay in my part of the world East Anglia hope you had a Cromer crab if you like crabs well done , don't over tax your self with the boat maintenance stay safe.
Hi Christopher, thanks for your kind words. I didn't venture out on this trip, stayed pretty much around the house, need to be extra careful because of my Dad. East Anglia is a lovely part of the country. Take care Alan
I like the mix of cruising and maintenance vlogs, im a bit of an engine nerd and enjoy seeing different configurations of narrowboat setups...keep them coming!
That's very kind of you to say Andrew, I do try and give some variety. Cheers
You're such a diligent guy Alan.I think you've done extremely well on the engine servicing I hope you're rewarded with a trouble free cruising season.I find that once you start exploring something technical and new to you you tend to be listening for a problem even if its not there .
Stay safe enjoy the summer trouble free.
Cheers from Canada where in my corner its been very dry and hot for quite a while
Many thanks Ralph, I've had varying opinions on my servicing skills but most have been supportive and encouraging and many viewers agree it's good to have the knowledge and the only way of getting it, is to be hands on. The weather here has been cooler in the last week and looks to be so going forward. Cheers
Great video Alan. Nice to see you getting out and about again. Hope your father was pleased to see you again after the lockdown. I did note your disappointment at the thought of a Cheese Roll shortage whilst away and hope the situation has been remedied since your return. Lol. Take care and happy cruising....!!
Hi Ian, I was treated to some home made bread, which certainly made up for the lack of a cheese topped roll. Father was surprised, as he had asked if I would go up to see him and I had said no but a few days later appeared. All the best Alan
You need an inspection mirror. The ones on a telescoping handle. It would make inspection much easier.
I do use mirrors but must confess I don't have one on a telescopic handle. Thanks for that.
I enjoy your videos Frank, you are always smiling mate and it’s good to see someone giving it a go. Graham in Oz
That's very kind of you to say Graham, thanks for supporting the channel. All the best Alan
My Narrowboat Venture oops Alan!! 👍👍
@@grahamgreenwell8686 No worries Graham, I usually get called David becasue of my surname. Cheers
Hi Alan....I also had a 1979 MGB. I was a young man then and it was a wonderful cruising car. The ladies liked it too...LOL. Another great Vlog....love everyone of them. Hope your Dad and family are doing well. Stay Safe...Looks like the UK is doing good with the Covid-19. Unfortunately...here in America we are going the wrong way. It's hard to fix stupid leadership!! Your Buddy from America Mark
Hi Mark, thanks for asking, my Dad and the family are all well. Today, 4th July is when there is considerable easing of the English restrictions. I note things are not good in the US but you can do something about it later in the year! Cheers
thank's Alien. i must admit i like lock down.just me dog and nextdoor .2 cottages in a field at the end of a lane.
Nothing to stop you carrying on with lockdown Tony, I'm sure it suits many people. Sounds idyllic. Cheers
VERY GOOD JOB ON THE ENGINE
Many thanks, cheers.
So happy for you getting to visit your father on Father's Day! I don't know anything about any type of engines, so I'm very impressed by jumping in on maintenance of yours. Keep up the good work. Always enjoy your sharing videos!
That's very kind of you to say Michael, thank you very much. Cheers
Another great vlog , thanks Alan
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers.
Hi Alan
Enjoyed the video like to see you doing belts you only learn by doing jobs yourself if possible
well done
Great trip thanks
You stay safe and well
Many thanks Ron, I agree you need to be hands on to learn. Take care, all the best Alan
Good Day Alan...
I hope you have considered adding spare belts and filters to your backup hardware...just saying. Maybe even cool hoses and radiator cap, hose clamps, a few nuts, bolts and washers. Good luck with your learning curve and yes very important to have.
Hello. Yes I have a number of spare parts including belts, filters and even now a fuel pump. Thanks for your good wishes. All the best Alan
Hi Alan.
You will need to check the belt tension after your first run / trip as they do tend to stretch & settle down a tad.
Gates (as you fitted) are good quality and should last a good few years.
The likes of Wilko / B&M Etc sell those illuminated mirrors on an extendable arm for little money and will help a good deal at inspection time.
Many thanks, I will certainly keep an eye on the tension of the belts. I do use mirrors to look but when viewing from upside down, in reverse, not always easy. I will confess I don't have a mirror on an extending arm, so have put it on my list of purchases. Good to hear Gates is a good make, I ordered from a Chandlers and that's what I was given. Cheers
Certainly the right approach to 'knowing your engine' every time you are in the hole you get to know a bit more of how it looks sounds and feels - a good check for rubbing wires and rubbing pipes will save breakdowns in the future. Before we had our current boat with its own engine room we had two breakdowns on our 'under our feet' engined boat, one was a coolant leak due to a pipe rubbing over time on the engine with vibrations causing a small hole. The second again a wire rubbed through on the engine causing an intermittent electrical fault. Both avoidable (we were a bit green on boat ownership a the time) with regular checking and proper routing of pipes and cables.... keep up the god work, would be interesting to see what motorhome/ camper van you have to compliment the boat ?
Keeps and fastenings, we called it in the Royal Navy Engineering world.
Many thanks Nev. I'm aware of the need to avoid pipes and wires rubbing, so I do keep a close eye on that sort of thing. Knowing and understanding the engine is important to me and as time passes my knowledge improves. Glimpses of the campervan have been seen in some videos and I may one day do a vlog on it. All the best Alan
Hi alan,I love watching your video and listening to you speaking about your experience on servicing your narrowboat Diesel engine,
It was totally interesting,more of the same please,stay safe,,tony
That's very kind of you to say Tony, thank you very much. Cheers
It is much easier and quicker to suck the gearbox oil out with a pipe Alan especially on a narrowboat . I hope you checked the mounting bolts on the 2 alternators for tightness as all the movement back and forth tends to loosen them . Looking forward to a cruise and more painting coming up :-)
Many thanks, all should be sound with the alternators, I will keep a better check in future! I agree about the gearbox, just need to get myself properly sorted. All the best Alan
Hi Alan, another interesting video. Besides liking videos on the canals I also like vanlife videos and as you have a camper van/motorhome (not sure which) maybe you could give a once over on your van, how and why you bought it rather than a car. Thanks again for your time and effort on the videos. You have such a nice way about you when narrating your adventures. Thanks and stay safe. 👍
Hi Louise I'm glad you liked the video. I have a high top camper van based on a Fiat Ducato and have been asked by others to do a vlog on it, so maybe one day I will. Thanks for your kind words, they are very much appreciated. Take care Alan
Hi Andrew enjoy your new found freedom. Great varied vlog. We enjoy joining you on your travels. Keep safe.
Many thanks Annie, I'm glad you like the travelling aspect. Cheers
Thank you for driving video. I was surprised to see a red call box. Thought those were all gone. The alternator belt reminded me of the melted hose from the calorifier. Slowly you are replacing all the worn out bits.
Hi Lynn. Hope all well. You have a good memory. Many of the red telephone boxes are still in place but not in use. In village locations, they do get used for other purposes like book exchanges, where people will drop off books and take others. Or possibly to house a defibrillator. Take care, cheers Alan
Well done. That's what its all about. Living and learning.
I couldn't agree more, cheers.
That was interesting. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it Christine, cheers.
Great video thank you so much
You are so welcome! Cheers
Love your methodical way of doing things! Interesting to see your solutions and problem solving....looking forward to your journey vlogs, but also very much enjoy how you upkeep the narrowboat and your videos regarding this aspect of canal life...all the best and thank you!
That's very kind of you to say, thank you very much. Take care, kindest regards Alan
A nice vlog. Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers
Hi Alan....would give the engine a few running hours then check the belts just in case they stretch a bit....did you say Holt...been there a few times for the railway....beautiful area....keep safe my friend...Regards Mick
Many thanks Mick, I have been on a cruise, so will check again before I go out again thanks. North Norfolk is certainly a lovely area. Cheers Alan
Very interesting, love the combination of personal, canalboat maintenance and cruising with the occasional dip into campervan life. Keep it up, most enjoyable. I share your pain with marine engine maintenance, equipment designed to be serviced on a bench and then shoe-horned into the smallest, most cramped space available. Regards AJ
Thanks Alan, it's re-assuring to know that my difficulties are shared and understood. Cheers
I used to do all my car maintenance years ago but now cars are 'computerised' as it were I don't bother so much, fortunatley narrow boat engines are still user friendly, enjoyed the video, nice to get out and about, cheers Alan.
Couldn't agree more, cars are now very technical, so home maintenance is not so easy as it used to be. All the best Alan
I hope all your lifting of restrictions works out. I enjoyed the travel on English country roads.
Many thanks Helly, time will tell, just need to avoid restrictions coming back! Glad you enjoyed the drive. All the best
Enjoyed the traveling, I also had an MG once, it just about made me lose my mind! Lucas electrical system, now
that will make you appreciate a Toyota! Ha ha. Glad restrictions are easing for you, cheers!
Thanks Robin, glad you enjoyed it. I had a RAV at one time. All the best Alan
Lucas, the Inventor of darness ;) A friend of mine had an Austin Maxi. Always ranted about that electric. I had 3 Toyotas in a row, not any problem so far. (Knocking on wood)
Loved the video especially the drive through countryside I also like the music you play take care x
Many thanks Kath, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I tend to use that music for when I'm driving, just seems to suit. Take care Alan
Another very enjoyable video Alan.
I totally agree with you r ogic about improving your knowledge and command of the mechanics of the boat.
It will be a great measure of satisfaction for you and indeed us who are watching. Best Wishes.
Kenneth
Many thanks Kenneth, I'm glad you feel I'm doing the right thing. Some viewers thought I should give up tut tut ... All the best Alan
Thank you I enjoyed the mix bag of content. You passed on your left what look like a castle near the end of your journey looked interesting do know the name. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it Thomas. The turreted building is the Gatehouse to Hillington Hall, I've not done any more research than that. Hope that helps. Cheers
Thank you
Love the mixture of your vids a bit of everything, you take care
That's very nice of you to say Roger, I do try and give some variety. All the best
Well done Alan....the mechanic's always make these jobs look easy when they do it but everything always seems to be in an awkward position whenever I try to do something and that's just on a car...its good to know how to get yourself out of trouble though 😉
Many thanks Simon, I believe it's important to have a good awareness of how the engine works. Cheers
Love the opening shot in the marina, great photograph. 2 Comments, first you can purchase a pump that will fit in your drill. Makes it much faster and easier to change the oil. Second, I always enjoy car videos from the UK as you drive on the wrong side of the road. I use to travel to the UK and Europe for business, and I would not rent a car in the UK because I would surely try to drive on the right side of the road. I had to always think just crossing the street, look left then right becomes look right then left.
Thanks Bill, I'm glad you liked the video, I'll certainly bear in mind the electric drill pump. Many overseas viewers have said they find it odd driving on the left side of the road and think I'm going to hit something. All the best Alan
Glad to see you getting on with the maintenance. Your logic in doing this is sound. I have loved visiting North Norfolk over many (50+) years. Must go back there again sometime when we get back to the (new) normal.
Looks like you've had a recent lock-down haircut. I have an appointment in 3 days and it can't come soon enough!
Thanks Philip, North Norfolk is a lovely place to visit. I've been cutting my own hair for many years now, only problem is my hair trimmer is faulty but still working but I have at last managed to get a new one, which I've not yet used. Cheers
Thank you for a great vlog Alan. We are back on the cut from Wednesday, out for three weeks after this long lock down. Hope to bump into you on our travels (not literally of course)
Many thanks John, hope you have a great cruise. Look forward to seeing you on the cut sometime. Cheers
You could use one of those magnetic led lights Alan, Young Dan got a couple to put outside his door for on a night, would be handy for jobs in the engine bay👍👍
Hi John, I do actually have quite a selection of led lamps dotted about the boat. Cheers
Hi Alan your approach is spot on, learning how to service your systems makes you more resilient and provides opportunities to spot degradation. Rubber products like belts and hoses all have a finite life as they do perish and give plenty of visual clues but a strong well focussed torch is a must for the dark corners of the engine bay. I am not sure if it was a bit of video that ended up on the editing room floor but you showed slackening off on the adjusting strap but not at the pivot point of the alternator, you should absolutely do this and be wary of exerting too much force on the alternator with the pry bar (I prefer using a bit of timber to reduce that risk). You are right to be wary of removing the gearbox oil drain, the internal threads in an aluminium casting are known to strip easily and you have no idea how long that has been in! Keep persevering with your suck out method I believe there are semi rigid pvc tubes available for PELA extractors which may do the trick. Keep up the good work.😀😳
Many thanks Norman for your support and advice. I am aware of adjusting and tightening the pivot points but on this occasion managed without, I will though keep a careful eye on the tension. The advice has been conflicting on the gearbox oil. Some say I was wrong not to remove the sump plug to check it and others like yourself say it is best to pump out the oil. The latter is my preferred option. I'll know what to expect next time and will get it right. Cheers
My Narrowboat Venture Hi Alan - all noted.👍 A worthwhile project for the future is to make up an adaptor with a short length of pipe that screws into the gearbox oil drain and with a right angle bend comes out to the side of the gearbox so it is accessible. Of course the end will need a blank too. Any competent workshop could knock one out for you if you feel it is a project too far.😉
Noticed the voice edits 👍🏻😆😃
Well spotted, thought that better in this instance, rather than putting Ooooops meant to say ...... In one case, I said sump pump rather than sump plug! Cheers
Hi Alan, really enjoy your vlogs, be it cruising, travelling or the repairs, all very interesting and informative. You have a lovely way of delivering them. Let’s hope the easing of lockdown does not get too crazy. Keep well and stay safe. Best Wishes
Many thanks Jackie for your kind words and support. Take care, all the best Alan
Well done Alan I got Les at Welford to service mine as we was in Lockdown there hopefully have a go my self next it does pay to watch someone else I think first great vlog again 👍👍
Many thanks David, I am following your FB posts. All the best to you and Sharon. Cheers
Its not Saturday ! is it Saturday ? What month is it ? You are not helping my return to normality !!! First, I have to return to work on a weird rota system and now you are posting videos on non-saturdays !!!!
Keep it up please as it was a pleasant surprise on returning from a socially-distance workplace. 👍👍👍
I'm trying to catch viewers out and surprise them. I have tended to publish on a Saturday or Sunday but some variation is good methinks. Sorry if I've befuddled your brain. Take care, cheers
Hi, Alan, I have the same engine /gearbox I can feal the gearbox drain plug but cannot see it so I do the same as you. Great video keep them coming .
Many thanks Chris, it's re-assuring to know someone else thinks the same as me. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers
ACtual work on alternator is at abaout 12:30
You should check out Alan Denman's channel, he ended up buying a fuel pump from ebay for £10, it would be worth getting one as a spare, you could even fit it in line with the one you have as the fuel will pass through it even when it is not powered as I did on my 1953 Morris minor, the original electric fuel pumps are notoriously unreliable. All the best
Thanks for that advice, believe it or not, someone else said pretty much the same and I now have a spare fuel pump on board. Interesting idea to fit it in line. Cheers
Stay safe. That 'easing up' is going to cause a huge spread of Covid. I am going to stay in lock-down.
Thanks Stephanie, there is certainly a huge risk of that happening. Take care.
Great video's sorry about you not having a cheese topped roll 😎 , beautifully done driving vlog too .
I actually had some home baked bread instead, even better! Glad you liked the video. Cheers
It is better to fill the oil so the level is midway between the two marks. The reason for this is that if you regularly check the oil level you will be able to spot if the level rises due to diesel getting in to the oil. A rare but potentially dangerous situation if you don't spot it in time to avoid the engine running away - not something you want to happen.
Thanks for that advice, the manual actually recommends to fill to the top level mark but I understand what you're saying. Cheers
@@MyNarrowboatVenture Indeed, it does, but personally I'd still be inclined to fill it to the mid point. There's more risk from overfilling than aiming for the mid point or even a bit under.
@@urbanimage Thanks for that further clarification. I have been criticised for not putting back 5.5 litres, the stated amount but if I did, the oil would be well above the full dipstick mark.
@@MyNarrowboatVenture I would go by the dipstick as you will almost certainly never get all the old oil out. There's also a fair margin for error between the upper and lower levels on the dipstick. It's not majorly critical - narrow boat engines spend most of their life chugging along at low revolutions anyway. In fact every 50 or so running hours it is a good idea to run the engine at or close to full revs for 3 or 4 minutes. Diesel engines like to work hard.
On my cars I change the belts every three years regardless, on a narrow boat perhaps every five years would be a good choice, although the belts should be checked for cracks every month or so and the tension perhaps twice a year...
Thanks Tony for that advice, having got in spare belts, I found that neither of them fitted, certainly in one case as the alternator had been changed. Cheers
@@MyNarrowboatVenture It happens, it happened to me just the same, thrice, when I got the right ones eventually I made a note of the codes/numbers for next time.
Just my opinion, but I think everyone should better understand their "systems" whether we're referring to those in your home, car, camper, or boat. In the case of your belts and hoses, modern versions don't show much wear right up until failure, so many mechanics will recommend a scheduled replacement, regardless of apparent condition.
A small LED headlamp would probably be very helpful while working in the engine bay and bilge area.
Your drive to see your dad scared me. I spent a week in Sufflok once and was the designated driver for my group. Driving in the left lane wasn't too bad unless the car was moving.
Thanks for your kind words and support. I fully agree, one does need awareness of the systems used to understand any issues they have, even if they can't repair them without help. I was actually wearing an LED headlamp but it was only seen briefly. Take care, cheers.
Get a tennis ball cut a lot and put over the corner as temporary protection
I know exactly what you mean, fortunately my head didn't actually get that close to that point, as I thought it might have done, so I'm still in one piece. Cheers
Thanks for 'catering' to us foreigners with the road trip, Alan. Motorways are pretty much the same everywhere but the quaint little towns with the narrow streets and ancient buildings are a treat to see here in the States. Odd seeing an Esso station. The company changed its branding over here to Exxon decades ago, good for a little wave of nostalgia.
Many thanks John, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Esso is very much a leading brand over here. Take care, all the best Alan
Thanks again from the USA for the country side trip. There was an interesting entrance on the left in Hillington. Large turrents and a driveway?
Glad you enjoyed it, the turreted building is the Gatehouse to Hillington Hall. Cheers
Great Vlog as ever Alan. Very informative. The important question I have for you though is...............Did you get a cheese-topped roll when you saw your Dad and Brother?
Many thanks Ed. No, I was treated to some home baked bread instead, which was even better. Cheers
Alan, what MG did you own. My brother had an MG TF. It was a wonderful car. He was very generous and let me drive it a lot.
I had an MGF, so very similar to the MGTF, with a few body style changes. Fast as well. Owned it for 6 years and had a lot of fun with it. Cheers
Great video as usual. Was the fact that Yelvertoft Marina allowed you to park your Motorhome at their Marina a deciding factor in choosing them ? I ask this, as several Marinas will not allow vans / Motorhomes to park on their premises.
Hi Mickey, you're right some marinas don't like motorhomes around the basins, so it was part of my decision making process. Apart from that, I've not yet found any marinas in such a delightful setting and so well laid out. Cheers
Hi Alan, great fun to watch. I noticed a comment about the notification bell. Mine is functioning perfectly. If it helps you however, another You Tube channel called Narrowboat Natterings had exactly the same issue, and he recently put out a note to say that he had located and corrected the issue. Might be worth making contact? Cheers and best wishes...🍷🍷
Thanks for that advice Steve, I've not had time to research but have seen a YT suggestion that the fault could be to do with the viewer's own settings. Your remark about Narrowboat Natterings suggests otherwise. I'll see if I can make contact. Cheers
No problem Alan. He referred to "something that he hadn't clicked in the main settings icon"... but no doubt he will be able to clarify for you. Cheers 🍷🍷
no cruising,but nice vlog
Many thanks.
Alan enjoyed your vlog traveling to see your father, may I ask you how it costs to live on a marine for a month or longer with a narrow boat say 45/50ft Best Regards Alf.
Hi Alf thanks for your comment. Mooring costs depend on what type of moorer you are, frequency of payment, services available, in very general terms say £175/£250 per month. Cheers
No need to apologise for the servicing detail you go into. It is very interesting - at least to some of us. I like the balance you provide across different aspects of your life.
That's very kind of you to say, I do try and give some diversity in what I publish.
Will it be an Engineer visit next year?
I think that's most unlikely, I've had some great advice from viewers and learnt a lot. I was unlucky with the fuel pump when I did the service and I'll get draining the gearbox sorted. Cheers
Hi what motorhome have you got?
It's a Timberland Freedom based on a Fiat Ducato van.
@@MyNarrowboatVenture very nice, thought I recognised the cab.
When you think you ought to have bought the longer belt, it is a sign of eating too many cheese topped rolls.
oops, sorry, wrong sort of belt.
Do we both need to belt up! Cheers Rob, take care
Never mind tha M.G. I love what you do mate.......but as a mechanic I have to say!.... In the first vid. you read the engine manual that said.......this motor takes 5.5 ltes of oil, and yet you insisted on replacing only what you could pump out (inccorectly). 3.5(approx). You havr to heat/run your engine, let it cool right down and then check it!. If the book says 5.5 then you were already running the engine short on oil. The Book Did'nt make it up!!!!!. the criss cross pattern on the stick should read approx, 1/3 of thne way up cold. to the top line, when hot it should'nt reach the top line. Just sayin mate, keep it up and check your levels everyday if you want your stuff to last :)
Sorry mate, jyst tryin to help you and your motor.
I appreciate your advice but there is a conundrum here. The Barrus Shires manual states "Oil level should be to the top mark on the dipstick". It then says run the engine for 5 minutes and top up if necessary. So, if the oil is at the top level on the dipstick it must have sufficient oil. But then if I only put in 4.25 litres (because I did check and top up) and there should be 5.5 litres, there can only be one conclusion, that when the oil is pumped out using the manufacturer fitted pump on the side, there must be 1.25 litres remaining, which can't be pumped out. Or the engine doesn't actually take 5.5 litres. If I put in more oil, there will be too much - the manual stating do not exceed maximum oil level marker. I must surely be guided by the dipstick. Cheers
@@MyNarrowboatVenture Does the manual say top when hot or cold? and I cant remember, did you fill the oil filter before installing it?....Interested in Canada my friend. :)
Also, you showed a previous hired oil change where he had a straight solid pump out nozzle. maybe your crazy lookin STIFF plastic hose isn't getting all the oil like the pro. How much did he have to replace?.
LOLOL, and PLEASE pardon my 2 finger not looking typing!!! :)