DIY narrowboat engine service GONE WRONG! | A week of mishaps on our NARROWBOAT home | EP23

EPISODE 23
This is definitely NOT a how to video 😆 This week join us while we carry out a very confused boat engine service! Many laughs and much confusion later do we manage to suss it out??....we finish the week with a walk around the very beautiful town of Nantwich.
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🎼 All music by Benny Jones @bennyjonesmusic
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If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
Follow us along to see our adventures, ups, downs, mishaps and lots of boating about!

[@donaldstenico5266]

Save all the box tops with all the correct part numbers and what they are for. It's great for future reference. And that new alternator belt will stretch a bit. Check it after about 10 hours of run time, you may have to tighten again. Just things I have learned over the years. These things are not failures they are a learning experiences. You both are doing great.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for the tips! 😊

[@ladygardener100]

I change the fuel filter every second oil change, or annually but I'm only doing oil changes every two hundred to two hundred and fifty hours , I have oil mats for spillage, they don't seem to absorb water at all . Take engine key out of the ignition before you start

[@jenniferstrachan7084]

DNDIY Aka do not do it yourself 😂😂😂 Seriously you two are like a breath of fresh air ❤

[@rabokarabekian409]

Charming exposition of why some cliches are classic. 1) Be prepared. 2) Quitters don't win, and winners don't quit. 3) If you don't work together, you'll work apart. Many thanks for such inspiring pleasantness, though I'd liked to have seen the passionate conversation bits (having been through 46 years of those: me and the missus).

[@bettywales3631]

Take pictures of all the parts in the engine that you work on so you will have them for reference. Things that need replacing you can take a picture show you can show or send to mechanic (store helper). Take pictures of your replacement filter(s) boxes for references and belts as well. This really does come in handy.

[@janoakes9267]

Lovely seeing my home town through someone elses eyes, I got married in that church nearly 50 years ago! :-) Hope all turned out ok with the engine in the end.

[@cababness]

I can't add much, as the comments say it all! I just love your calm attitude and Emily's laughter if things go a bit wonky!! Alan seems to have it all figured out! 😊

[@markstohler7004]

I absolutley love watching you two interact with situations. You have such a great mix of emotions. Benny has more patience than job and emily is like the virtuous woman looking after her houdehold. Iv'e been watching the subscribers go up in number. I predict that benny will become a well known musician and sell lots of albums. bless you both. Mark from Boise, Idaho U. S.

[@user-zi7cu7vc6o]

You both did so well Especially Emily as she brought the wrong bits at the start on her own then mended it together ! Well done! two became one ! Ha!Ha! xxxxxxx

[@DEmma1972]

Another reason to keep the fuel boats going. Support your local fuel boat

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@Ken-dr9gu]

"Keep calm and carry on" you two take every thing in your stride and Benny is always smiling . Good for you another skill learned. 😃👍👍

[@sylviawright5181]

Lease both laughting about your problems ,Benny as much talent ,i admire him ,(Trying ),😃

[@atir4u]

That church though! The structure, So beautiful. I was laughing at that bird squawking past you Emily and then he did it again hahahahaha

[@Pinion512]

Y'all learned a bit with doing the service on the boat engine. It's nice to see non-mechanic type people not be fearful to get neck deep into that sort of project.

[@jimfields3351]

Never give up, full speed ahead.

[@janej55uk]

Richard on the fuel boat is amazing and will help you out all the while you are on the Llangollen. Rain or shine.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Well done Benny and well done Emily for your support. Being familiar with diesel engines, i was screaming "open the bleed screw and prime it until the fuel comes through". Actually, you were lucky there wasn't any air in the line to the injectors, otherwise you woulc have to have loosened the gland nuts to get the air out. The chap on the fuel boat would almost certainly have had the know-how to have helped you. All the best. Lionel and Mary.

[@jewellhershey5051]

You two and your kitty are three precious people. Your angels were definitely looking out for you, bringing that darling fuel man, bless his heart, just at exactly the right time to help you. ❤ ❤ ❤

[@lindafiorini5671]

You guys are adorable and I would love to meet u at some point. I'm stateside.

[@BoatTime]

Congrats on getting such a big daunting job done!! We really felt your pain on this one. ‘Everything’s in the way’ was the most relatable thing we’ve ever heard 😂😂

[@headshunter]

Good to see you using Morris Oil, it is literally manufactured at the bottom of my road here in Shrewsbury.

[@BenandEmily]

Only the best! ☺️

[@lizjones8984]

Gorgeous tune Benny at the end by the way as you tour round Nantwich, and I love mooring at Nantwich myself too and wandering down into the town….

[@robtheplod]

Best one yet... i think its fab you two are doing the servicing yourself... you'll learn so much (as you have done!) and it will save you a fortune, plus when things dont work you'll have a better idea about why. Best up and coming narrowboat channel.... I love the way Alan just gives you that look and wonders off!

[@cheshirelofts7643]

Nantwich my home Town. From the top of the canal you walked over the Thomas Telford Aqueduct, his last one of the Shropshire Union, and down the 34? steps to the road and then along Welsh Row into Town. Apart from being lucky to live in Nantwich, Thomas Telford is also a distant cousin. Glad you had a nice walk round, sorry your service didn't go as planned .

[@glennclarke9787]

❤ We had a laugh with you both, changing your engine filters etc, Glad to hear you get passionate and keep smiling 😅We await your next vlog XX Glenn & Marion

[@oneshoan]

I’m so happy y’all got the engine serviced! The fuel boatman was good karma.

[@Improveng1]

Full marks for maintaining your combined sense of humour and high spirits during, what must have seemed like, a very daunting and challenging situation. The hard-earned knowledge and experience will hold you in good stead for the future. Alan was getting involved too by offering herself to be petted and cuddled - she's so sweet. 😃 Hope you get lots of trouble-free cruising for the foreseeable future. Take care guys

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@marilynlewis7752]

Hi both and Alan, we have watched every episode and check every evening for a new one. Benny's music is lovely and so appropriate for cruising. We wish you would make one every day, impossible we know. Good luck in your future ventures, see you soon 💕

[@cdkmonkey2699]

Righty tightly lefty losey

[@crudburgerwithfries3614]

The universe lobbed quite a few testers at you there, but you overhead kicked them well back into its face. Sniff my finger universe! Nice work.

[@BenandEmily]

🤣 Yep! Thanks!

[@cindytennessee]

Hooray! A pricey cost averted. Cheers!

[@onedaymoreaboard]

Richard the fuel guy is THE BEST! At least the overalls make you look like professionals, and you kept laughing when I would have cried! So all is good 😂😄

[@lacyoflittlerobincottage1403]

You guys work so well as a team ~ Allyn, too! I love listening to Benny's music, it so soothing, harmonious, ~ lovely. 🤗 What an interesting town and yes, churches are magical. My hubby Michael just said you're his favorite narrow boat people. 💞 Hope you both are well ~ see you on the next one. Michael, Lacy & Hamish 🐾🙌🏼

[@mrotheos]

On camera at least 😂😂I'm sure there were moments that ended up on the cutting room floor 😂

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Uhhh, boaters look out for boaters! It,s a community. Also it,s the learning curve on dealing with engines. You got it now! Just wait for the next challenge and mystery!

[@judewilliams9345]

Well done persevering with all the 'fails'. You came good and the boat was ,"SEVICED" 🤣. Hope to see you both and Alan in the near future xxxx

[@TheByard]

Well done on your first engine service, at least you two didn't fall out when it didn't go to plan. It must be pretty daunting trying to work everything out for the 1st time. As a kid I would watch dad and uncle service petrol and diesel engines, my first job on leaving school was on a farm and the 2nd was in construction, so I learnt fast or got a clip around my ear. This all came in very handy when a bought a wooden 30ft boat, built in 1930 and fitted with twin engines and a fuel tank with a bad case of diesel bug, that got stirred up every time I ventured onto the tidal Thames. So, lots of filter changes before I cleaned the tank out. The next service will go like clockwork I'm sure, thanks for bringing back oily memories.

[@kristymcmillan7481]

Peanut butter sesh! 😂 I can identify with that! I really admire your hands on, DIY approach, and your apparently calm and humorous attitude to things that would give me sleepless nights. I’m sure the ‘oh shit’ side of this is all off screen though.

[@alexdokic5567]

Looks like fun, plenty of smiling and not one swear word, I’m not really an engine person, but enjoyed watching! At least it didn’t rain.

[@fredsimmons2793]

Benny you are supposed to smear fresh oil on that oil filter seal before putting back on!You two are doing a tremendous job!

[@kellinigh2398]

Things always seem better in the morning, but this is too often forgotten.

[@Curve2Theatre]

So easy once you know How ! Very frustrating ( like anything to do with Computers ) . I watched ‘May’ doing her Engine service and she had much the same problems. A singing duet with May and Benny would be good . Hope your keeping safe away from any Flood water .😊

[@heidimacarthur7205]

This was a difficult episode to watch with all your problems. Thank goodness you got every ing resolved. Keep up the good work. Keep on cruising!

[@wandabond4768]

Well done you two! You should be so proud that you managed to service the engine. Benny loved your music in this video.

[@northstarcreative]

That was the most entertaining whilst being informative engine service I’ve ever seen 😂❤

[@martinosborne5715]

Hello Benny and Emily. You done a good job on the boat now go to the pub and chill out things be better in the morning 👍. ❤️ you both. Martin xx 👋😁

[@bobbrown5212]

I enjoy your vlogs very much. Keep smiling!

[@OrangeboxCoUkwebdesign]

A brilliant episode, some engine DIY, which we thoroughly enjoyed! Beautiful shots of Nantwich, we also like churches and old architecture too. The music at the end fitted perfectly, so pleased for you, persevering and completing a successful service. Alan took it all in with typical cat indifference to your struggles. Good to see you get help from the fuel guy. Thanks for sharing.

[@Steve-ws2vn]

The cat was right. Lol best way to learn, the hard way. Lol ( reminds me of me at that age)

[@glynluff2595]

Oil filter removal bang a screwdriver through disposable shell and turn. Use gripper to tighten after hand tightening by hand. Once you have found right filters make a note of maker and reference number.

[@swirlgalaxy]

Howdy Benny & Emily!! Oh the joys of boat ownership!!! You make it most entertaining at least!! You live & you learn the hard way, but you'll know better next time! Big Hugs from Ohio USA!!

[@clannyst]

what a lovely couple, always smiling.⚓

[@lizpegden1635]

Sooo glad you were successful. I actually let out a yell when she started 👍😛

[@shirleygreaves9650]

You two are hilarious, even when you are doing an important job like an engine service and things go wrong you stay positive and good natured. I’m sure the next time you do a service you will find it much easier. Alan is so cute, I’m sure he thinks “What the heck are my humans doing now?” Well done guys for persevering! Nantwich looked amazing and so did all of the food. Stay safe and well you 3. X

[@deliawood1]

Just found your channel and love it. You are a breath of fresh air in this crazy world. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

[@lizjones8984]

I would have given up before The Hobbit and got someone in, so we’ll done to you both for your perseverance! It paid off!

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much 😄

[@michaeldavies9533]

Hi guys what a brilliant video ,hate to admit it but my wife and I had to laugh at your failures it was watching a a version of Looney Tunes,it's great to see two intellectuals making a bxlls up ,only joking of a straight forward engine working,but on the bright side you with no next time,,I have to hand it to Benny he's brill at grinning through his teeth.go Benny go.

[@chrisyarnold6205]

Have watched several of these narrowboat channels, but this is the only one I've subscribed to. Even when faced with the canal equivalent of being broken down in a lay-by, you smiled your way through to success, no stress, just a relaxing watch. Great lifestyle.

[@martinworrall5888]

Well done you two and we all had a laugh ❤👍👍

[@BenandEmily]

😄 Thanks so much!

[@martinworrall5888]

@@BenandEmily 👍

[@nigelwatkins558]

the fuel boat man is a winner

[@waynewaring]

Well done on the service guys, you are stars having a go at that, you had us on the edge of our seats with everything crossed waiting for the engine to start 😁. Keep on Rockin kids 😁🎸

[@DD_11111]

Lovely to see you enjoying my home town...as a child I learned how to swim in that outdoor brine baths ...bloody freezing!

[@johnlewis5663]

Just found this site and I love it now making my way through your video's. I love your positive attitude and the way nothing appears to phase you. I wish I could have done something similar but at 78 years old I think that boat has sailed so I will just continue to enjoy your adventures.

[@jamesbowden8917]

Congratulations on the engine service!!

[@neilfoster814]

Ahhhh, brings back memories of when I had my 44ft narrowboat 'Jubilee'. Fuel systems on diesel engines can be a pain if you get even a little bit of air in them. But some engines are better at self purging than others. Mine had an old BMC 1.5 litre 4 cylinder and it was a pig! Great video. 👍👍

[@justineallen2535]

Thank goodness for that! I was on the edge of my seat thinking you’d be staying there for a few weeks 🙈🤣

[@sebastiangaudiosi7728]

Hey Ben measure the seal it may be just the body smaller also check the thread hole to be the same size ( oil filter) cheers

[@murdelabop]

This reminds me of several classic vehicles I've owned. This is why my spouse and my best friend are under orders that if I ever again take it into my head to buy another old, rare, difficult to support vehicle they are to slap me, and keep slapping me until I change my mind.

[@Me-rm4qj]

If that had been me I would have surely had a meltdown! I love both of your upbeat attitude and the way you take everything in your stride and keep smiling, you two are just the best and I really hope you got all the issues with the engine sorted in the end.

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you so much!!

[@melharrison4528]

Thats the way to learn, do it wrong then get it right,,,,you two amaze me,,,,

[@jamesedwardson605]

Keep up the good work on the videos... you will make money doing this in time...

[@TillerQueen]

Engines on boats are a nightmare because there are so many different standards for the same things! When I bought my boat it took ages to find the correct fuel filter and eventually I found one in a cupboard after I'd sourced a couple from Germany. Good job!

[@annjarvis9300]

Awwww well done with a smidge of help you got there proud of you both tc now the oldies 👋👋

[@BenandEmily]

Thank you! 😁

[@salparadise8581]

So satisfying to remedy and make boat good and nice touch with the last frame to keep momentum goin...looks like a learning curve is gonna make you's into seasoned boaters!

[@hughcrawford1978]

I like the fact that you are honest about what you learn. That to me is life. It is a lesson to us all.

[@raymondc5473]

Thanks for a great vlog, we really enjoy watching you guys, a lovely attitude and humour with most things you do. I wouldn't have a clue how to service an engine but I think I might give it a try now. He was a nice fella on the fuel boat. I hope next week's is an easy fix. Thanks again and see you next week. Raymond (up a mountain in Spain).

[@sianwarwick633]

Valves are so great, aren't they ? That little bird 🐦 is karma at 18:58. Boring bit about me: I once tried to bleed and replace the hydraulic brakes on my bike. Took around two weeks, and i eventually traded it for calliper brakes. Not the same thing, but. Glad you were able to ask for help from the fuel boat man.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

16:12....What do we have here, Benny, a BANJO FITTING, connecting the supply line? 😃

[@tonycarter3756]

That’s all part of the trip -learning new skills.l always think ,this was designed by a human being so l should be able to figure it out .And the Gods smiled on you with the fuel boat👍

[@greggtilghman6349]

Benny, your music playing through out the video is amazing! Did you ever dipstick the oil well to see if it was full?

[@sharonbennetts218]

We love watching you guys you will have a go at anything. And thanks for the lovely walk around Nantwich, it’s our favourite canal side town. Hope we meet you on the cut one day next year 👏

[@kikithecrocheter74]

Great job on the engine! Emily, I feel the same way about historical churches even though I'm non-religious. 🧶

[@gonzo_the_great1675]

It's worth learning how to bleed injectors, in case you ever get air in the diesel pump. Which can happen if you run out of fuel or hadn't primed/bled your system fully. Easy to do and worth knowing how. I've done it on the side of the road a few times.

[@marilyncampbell3383]

After dealing with a fuel issue on my older diesel tractor I kept wondering if you needed to prime it too. Glad you documented it for next time.😊

[@gingerelvis]

It's all a learning curve! Have a go and learn by your mistakes, next time you'll be experts. A miss-spent youth messing around with old motorbikes taught me a lot about mechanics and patience, turns out they go hand in hand 😂

[@rickyboy..andcaptinjack2532]

Brilliant video..we always learning.. I keep my sailing boat up together my self as it saves me a massive amount of money.. Brilliant to see you lovely people just getting stuck into theas things.. Massive respect Emily for hunting the parts. That's a epic in it self.. Nice job benny always run the engine a short while 2min then let settle cheak dip stick.. Incase it needs topping up after oil been pumped round the engine a the level can drop. Just a tip.. And alway a worry when the old girl don't start... But mostly always down to air dirty fuel or clogged filters.. Diesel engine rely on 2 things clean fuel and regular oil changes.. Just love Alen she's amazing... All the best 💯💪✌️💜

[@owdpotter]

Hey guys reason I asked the last question is I am thinking of increasing my coffee purchase for you as I love the shows and I have a crush on Emily ( I’m 73😂😂)

[@TheDastardlyDick]

Well done guys - I thought my motorbike had inaccessible bits on it until I saw your engine bay! Just as well you out that caption about nappies up - for a split second, I was expecting an announcement lol! Stay safe .and hapoy!

[@rosemarystubbs6938]

I love the sense of achievement you get when either solving a problem or mending something which is out of your comfort zone. Nice to hear you use the same technical terms as me " No grindy sound"! Take care both and I look forward to catching up with you and your adventures next time.

[@alanhodgson8443]

The pipe from the calorifier is best connected to a ‘ski fitting’ and discharged out through the hull of the boat. Once’s the pressure relief has let by they tend to keep doing so, I had the same issue on my boat and once the pipe was discharged overboard all was sorted.

[@stephenphelps9916]

I was going to wait before I commented on your channel but this one had me smiling out loud. Great job you did in fixing things. It was only yesterday that I was changing out the pressure relief valve on my calorifier because I was having the exact same problem as you guys. It's okay for the time being but I am going to replace the pump and keep the old one as a spare. I still have to do an engine service and fuel filters etc. Boat jobs always take much more time to fix than you expect and there are always boat jobs. Having the confidence to have a go does you credit and you gain valuable experience. Before you know it you will be confident enough to do a top end overhaul. Love the content Steve S/Y Scend Serendipity Mesolonghi Greece.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

All came good in the end. Keeping your cool helps. You both don't let anything phase you. Well done both.

[@ianwalker4803]

This is the first episode I've seen by you both, I've subscribed because I like the fact that you're having fun while having a go, very good vid. I used to watch NarrowBoat Girl but when she stopped making vids it left a narrow boat shaped hole in my viewing slot, I think you two will fill that place perfectly, Take care

[@wesley9735]

Is there such a thing as well... the equivalent of a dog mussel that has something like a metal mesh to cover the prop and act as a filter to prevent large things causing emotional damage to the drive chain ... imagine a desk top fan type cage... anyhoo if not and someone likes and decides to market one... you owe me 😂

[@trevorpoxon401]

Well done Both of you. Your love shines through and moral support gets you through. Life’s never straight forward but it’s the way that you deal with it and you both cope well. Thanks for sharing your journey. Trevor & Linda xx

[@taminunley7923]

You two are so cute! I loved your good attitude even when it went wrong! Glad it ended up well for you! Happy travels!

[@SATORI--uf1ch]

You receive what you put out into the simulation... lovely people and vibes as always. Hope to meet you both (and Alan) for a drink and chat one day. Keep on keeping on guys. Love to all 3 of you x

[@EeeDee1]

Pro Tip: Put those manual pages in page protectors or over time they'll end up covered in oily and greasy fingerprints

[@propulsar]

Isn't it funny how exciting how starting a diesel engine can be when you've serviced it yourself.

[@trumptypumpty]

Hooray! Now that's a learning curve!..... well done guys 👌

[@BenandEmily]

😄 sure was!!! Thank you

[@GrahamHazlehurst]

Great video, positve attitude and a great learning experience, loving the videos and the music, your smiles are why we watch, keep doing what you are doing.

[@mikeyf8195]

Well done to you both. We learn by our mistakes, so don't be too hard on yourself Emily. I love the way you support each other in everything you do. Nice to see Alan taking it all in her stride...How laid back can she be?

[@dougquaid]

Well done mechanics, Ben and Emily, should have titled that episode” Filtergate” I get that thing with Churches, too!

[@BenandEmily]

Is it the smell of the wood that's so good? 😄 Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@Nick-mq9on]

In future hit the engine and dirty bits with a car engine cleaner spray, you'd be surprised how much easier it is to see and work on something mechanical when it's clean

[@tgcrowson]

Richard Chamberlain to the rescue! He turned up for me once, exactly when I needed him. I buy fuel from him whenever I’m in his patch. Richard and Ruth are the best.

[@mjallenuk]

Not bad for your first service and love the longer video!