345. Narrowboat Engine Service - My Way

[@ericc461]

Hi Alan! Still enjoying you and your channel! Letting the algorithm know.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for that Eric, much appreciated!

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Alan, that was so explanatory, i could follow your instructions,but i done have a boat. 😅

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Sheila, I’m pleased you could understand what I was doing and found it of interest 😀

[@ronald4792]

Hi Alan Nice job preparation is the key to making the job easier 👍👍👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Ronald 👍

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done Alan, I think I have said it before. I could watch you work all day.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you so much Hugh, all the best.

[@ralphwood5875]

Another great vlog Alan ,it really showed meticulous planning and having the right tools for the job pays off, but that is typical of you ,well done for a "Steam enthusiast". I wish you many many miles of trouble free cruising.. I always use the "Horse shoe nail theory "Look after the small things and the battle won't be lost. Take care and happy cruising, see you again soon.. PS my garden is looking a treat now so I can pay attention to the small jobs now in very nice weathermid 20's most days with occasional showers to keep things green and lush. Bye for now ....as someone I know always says

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Ralph, thanks for your comment, I’m pleased all is Rosie in the garden, I believe that’s what’s said. I’m glad you’re enjoying some fine weather, as we have been over here. All the best, take care.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Meticulously planned Alan meant the service went very well. Congratulations the vlog was really interesting to watch. Hope you are well. Keep safe I hope that you are rewarded with a cheese topped roll now and a cup of tea. Keep safe warm dry and virus free Alan . All the best thanks for posting.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you for your great comment David, much appreciated, I was very pleased with how the service went and no doubt rewarded myself afterwards. All the best, take care.

[@russjones4034]

I watch all your videos. Been a subscriber for the last couple of years. South Carolina.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Greetings Russ and many thanks, I’m glad you get enjoyment from them.

[@bobt3374]

Good morning Alan. That was an intresting thing to see from a boat it is good to see the various needs while boating. Take care & have a good weekend.. 🍻

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Bob, I’m pleased you enjoyed watching, it’s something different to usual. You too have a great weekend😀

[@bobx2387]

Hello Alan, As someone who has messed around with engines since a very early age, I reckon you have done a cracking job. You only missed one thing.... topping up the windscreen washer fluid... He He He... Poor joke but could not resist. Bob (and Helen) Weston super Mare)

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Bob and Helen. That’s very kind of you to say, I just topped up my mug of tea when I had finished😀All the best to you both.

[@IJ_uk]

27:57 I hope you dont mind me saying that I had to check that I wasn't suddenly watching The Narrowboat Pirate 😂😂😂

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I’m not really sure how Heidi fits into this! 🤔Puzzled, cheers.

[@IJ_uk]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Heidi is an expert of innuendo. Me and my wife were both laughing so much at you pumping the old oil out we were crying with laughter. Thank you for the video. Bye for now.....

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@IJ_uk Thanks for the explanation, glad you enjoyed watching, all the best. Cheers

[@nicholassimpson5646]

Great vlog Alan on checking gear box oil a trick I found is tall blue paper pull a sheet off then lie dip stick on paper this gives you a very good reading hope this helps Alan

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Nicholas, thanks for your great comment and suggestion. I have tried white paper but it soaked the oil up, so I couldn’t determine the reading. Blue sounds a better idea. Cheers

[@sandyprosser805]

Great vlog Alan not that I know much about boat engines,interesting never the less. Saves you a few pounds too well done. Have great week😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Sandy, kind of you to say. It does save some expense but it's really about awareness of how the engine functions and the satisfaction I get from doing it. All the best, enjoy the lovely weather we're getting.

[@adriancastle9229]

Well Done Alan. Great vlog. Just a thought/ tip on filling engine oil. I cut off the top of a wide mouth bottle ( washing liquid bottle for instance) making it act as a funnel. This acts as a funnel but you dont have the complications of a narrow funnel. Happy oil changes. Adrian.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Adrian. The idea of not using a funnel is to prevent air getting into the oil and also to prevent cross contamination from a dirty funnel. Cheers, thanks for commenting.

[@lynettecoates4272]

Alan....thank you for taking the time and having the patience to film for us and for yourself to look back on, not an easy position and lack of space!!! You can relax again for another year!! Have a great weekend. Xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That’s very kind of you to say Lynette, thank you so much. I am glad when it’s done and as you say not now until next year. All the best, enjoy the fine weather we’ve been having xx

[@jascham77]

Nice vid m8,im a complete novice whos never even owned or driven a car,so engines baffle me...i need to do all these things now tho n uve made it a little less daunting,ty

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I’m glad you’ve found it of help. I initially got a marine engineer to service the engine, watched him carefully, and took notes and photos. Since then, I’ve done it myself. Good luck with your boating and servicing. Enjoy all you do. Cheers

[@brianbrian760]

Really interesting It's surprising what you have to do just to keep your engine ticking over Enjoy this blog big thumbs up

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you so much Brian for your great comment👍

[@paulturner7837]

Well done Alan, I know it’s not a how to do it vlog but very helpful all the same. Very important to do these jobs on a regular basis, thanks for showing us and I’m glad it all went well for you 👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks for your comment Paul, I was pleased with the outcome, all the best.

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Alan, for taking us through your boat engine service which was very interesting and I bet that you saved a few quid by doing it yourself. I'm glad that you wore safety gloves to do this as diesel oil (particularly old diesel oil) is very unhealthy and likely to be a cause of cancer. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Stevie. Glad you enjoyed watching. I always wear gloves for most things. Not only do I save money, I get a lot of satisfaction from doing it myself. Best wishes, keep safe.

[@mirrortrim]

Professional or not, I still found this to be educational and was a really good watch. Thank you Alan. I don't have a boat, but interesting to see how you carry out the service.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That’s very kind of you to say, thank you so much.

[@stevehoare6378]

Evening Alan, I have to admire you filming that, when so many things could have gone wrong! I must admit that I always left ours to marina staff or the RCR...a job well done and.thanks for sharing....🍷🍷

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Steve. I was fairly relaxed when I filmed and it took many hours and was very satisfying. Cheers🥂

[@andytrewin]

Alan for the gearbox dipstick clean the stick ~ rub white chalk on the end and then dip the stick ~ chalk will reveal the oil level. Hope this helps. KR AndyT(Somerset)

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Andy, that may work well but in doing so, isn’t the oil being contaminated? 🤔Cheers

[@robertcallander1065]

Alan you should always check the engine oil levels after you have run the engine because the oil filter is empty and it affects the level 👍 who told you not to use a funnel to fill the engine saves a lot of mess great videos thanks 👍👍👍👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Robert, I am aware of checking the oil level thanks. The marine engineer that first serviced the engine mentioned about not using a funnel, I think it avoids air getting into the oil but I know cross contamination can also be an issue with a dirty funnel. All the best.

[@jimbucher1049]

Great Job and video...see you again soon !

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Jim, all the best 😀

[@Rovinman]

Well done Alan, I've got a car here in Thailand that needs some TLC ! Glad to see that it all went as expected, ............... Practice makes Perfect ! City and Guilds in Marine Engineering next ! Take care, Stay safe ! Stu xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Stu, the trouble with modern cars is the electronics and diagnostics, just not easy now for DIY service. All the best, take care.

[@Rovinman]

Ah, yes Alan, I forgot to say, my car is 63 yrs old ! I bought it 47 years ago, took it apart, got divorced, brought it to Thailand 23 years ago, and now it requires refurbishing again ! So I think it's you who has the modern equipment. ! 555 ! Stay safe, Stu. xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@Rovinman I might be able to help then!! Cheers

[@roberthillyard4234]

tip put a magnet on the out side of you oil fiter that keep metal bit from going round and roud your engine

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Robert. Believe it or not I had this tip some years back and I bought 4 small magnets for that purpose but have never used them. Your reminder will make all the difference, thanks.

[@maobfh]

I LIKE that siphon pump!!! Surely I can find a similar one in the USA. We shall see! Great video! Thanks!!!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I would have thought they’d be readily available in the USA. Some people use them to pump out oil from their car engines rather than using the drain plug. Cheers

[@jennybailey6842]

Well done Alan! You made that vlog very interesting and educational. Also having to do it in a cramped area and taking extra time to set the cameras up to film for us. If it was me, id probably not be able to stand up again ! 😆. Well done xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you so much Jenny, would you now know how to do the service? xx

[@jennybailey6842]

@MyNarrowboatVenture I knew you would ask me that! I think so, although you would probably have to remind me about the order to do it in. Change the filters, run the engine to warm the oil up, then empty and refill with new. Bleed the skin. That's all I can remember off the top of my head!! xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@jennybailey6842 That's very good, shows you were paying attention, well done xx

[@jennybailey6842]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Thank you, so I won't get detention tonight then?! 😆xx

[@umbertoyltp]

Well Alan, the level of explaining in the video with two camera angles needs to be preceeded by a disclaimer, well done. I realise that doing the job and filming it requires maybe double the time. The explanation of tools beforehand makes it more enjoyable while watching the whole process. Nonetheless a very well set up video, thank you very much. ❤

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you so much for your great comment, the filming did take a considerable time compared to the actual task. I’m glad you found the tools explanation of interest. All the best Alan

[@rdyfhi]

Cheers Alan...

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks👍

[@wsgrover8646]

Really great presentation Alan....and shows planning, the right tools for the job and knowledge goes a long way!....just out of curiosity do the canal and river tryst or your marina supply the facilities for get rid of your spent oil....all the best and looking forward to the next vlog already.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks, very kind of you to say. The marina provides facilities to get rid of spent oil, I'm not sure whether the Canal and River Trust do, as I've never looked into it. Cheers

[@chrisj5421]

Great videos as always Alan. When doing oil always run engine after putting new oil in as filter takes oil and lowers level so need to top up or you can fill the filter with oil before install but not practical to do this with yours being as it is.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for your comment Chris, I am aware about the oil filter and as you say can’t fill it first, as it’s side on. All the best, take care.

[@sylviawright5181]

Give yourself pat on your back ,cheese roll ,cup of yorkshire tea ,enjoy ,👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I had all the trimmings when I finished, got some real satisfaction from all going well 😀

[@randyw2539]

I'm assuming the marina will dispose of the oil and filters for you, or do you have to arrange disposal on your own? It's a sigh of relief when things go to plan. That's the thing about living on a boat, not only must one be handy with household issues, one must also have some small bit of working knowledge of engine maintenance and repair. All the best!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Randy, that’s right the marina has a facility for disposal of oil and canisters. I agree about the knowledge aspect and was pleased how the service went. Best wishes.

[@philipwinter8729]

Well done!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Philip.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid alan on cut keep up the good vid thanks lee

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Lee, all the best👍

[@richardjensen6753]

Hello from Kansas! Interesting issue with your 7/16" bolt. I used to collect vintage farm engines, (they sound like the old vintage working boats on the canals). One of the things I would run into on the vintage engines was the fact that some bolts were odd sizes and not SAE sizes. Some of this was due to non-standard manufacturing, but sometimes it was due to the use of British Standard sized bolts. Now I don't own a set of British wrenches, but some modern metric wrenches will work. Another way I've seen guys get past this is to "modify" the wrench by grinding it to the size of the bolt. Will your engine burn the used oil if you mix it into the fuel? I know some deasil engines can burn used motor oil mixed in the fuel. Why not use a funnel? Sounds counterproductive. Would painting the end of the gearbox's dipstick white, help seeing the new oil on it? It's great that you have the skills to service your own boat. Great video!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Richard. We have AF (imperial) and metric sizes, as well as Whitworth (less common). It is strange how some bolts are not of standard size. I’ve not heard of anyone putting used oil into their diesel tank, not sure how well they would mix or burn together. The concept of not using a funnel is to prevent air getting into the oil and to reduce cross contamination. Others have suggested painting the dipstick white but I’m not sure that would help. Thanks for commenting, cheers👍

[@csjmoore]

Interesting video. I had the same problem with the transmission level checks. My solution was to spray half of the dipstick with white flat paint. After it dries it gives a better indication. When everything is good, I use a bit of lacquer thinner and wipe the white paint off. I have a question: Why not use a funnel? I use them all the time but am careful no plastic fuzzies fall off the device. I used to have a really nice aluminum funnel set but it disappeared one season or another. Cheers Alan.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I think given the nature of the dipstick (small round) it would be difficult with any colour but others have also suggested white. My understanding is that using a funnel creates air in the oil and can cause cross contamination, if dirty. I’m no expert on this but the marine engineer who first serviced the boat said not to use a funnel. All the best, cheers.

[@martinworrall5888]

Good job Alan, can’t understand why you were told not to use a funnel. I think that the skin tank could use a coat of paint haha 👍

[@IJ_uk]

I've found that the air gets trapped inside so pouring it in carefully can sometimes be easier.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Martin, as said, using a funnel can trap air in the oil and possibly cause contamination, if not clean. The skin tank is on the side which is difficult to paint, so I’ve not got there yet😀

[@mwhitcombe]

Hi Alan, interesting vlog thank you. I think you should be using red transmission fluid in the gearbox, I’m not an expert however.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks, my gearbox does use the same oil, as in the engine. The last time I used red transmission fluid was for an automatic car gearbox, is that what you're thinking of? All the best.

[@charlesxix]

It might be worth getting a metric adjustable spanner. Thanks for sharing.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Charles, I do have adjustable spanners but mine are a bit bulky. Not sure about an adjustable "metric" spanner would that not just be an adjustable spanner! Cheers

[@charlesxix]

@MyNarrowboatVenture I was mischievous. Have a good weekend Alan.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@charlesxix It’s a good job I remained diplomatic!! You too have a great weekend😀

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Well done Alan ! I'll bet you saved yourself 250 to 300 Pounds doing the labor yourself.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Michael. Not only is there a monetary saving, there is a lot of satisfaction.

[@chow24]

Great video thanks........you can use a funnel to put the oil in the motor just pour slowly..I think you used the wrong grade of oil for the gearbox....also you check the level by not screwing in the dipstick on that type of gearbox

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for your comment, my gearbox does take the same grade of oil as the engine. I'm interested in what you say about the dipstick, as that makes a lot of sense, when I'm back on the boat I'll see if there's anything about that in the manual. Cheers

[@chow24]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture also double check the grade of oil ?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@chow24 I have now looked at the manual and the dipstick has to be fully screwed in when checking the oil level. I am using the correct grade of oil.

[@chow24]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Is that gearbox a ZF make ,?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@chow24 It’s a PRM gearbox.

[@jetrex1986]

Did you start the engine after you put the oil in and check the tip stick.?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I certainly did👍

[@glynrogers1018]

Hi can you still use red diesel regards

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Red diesel is still used for Narrowboats, for propulsion and heating, and is taxed on a proportional basis, which is rather complex.