News from the "Hole" 1
written in Summer 2000
Dave Stott
Last winter was quiet compared to previous years, allowing time to think about the installation of the new engine and the many interesting problems it presents. Last year our present engine which, I now consider an old and trusted friend, developed a bit of thump, which was traced to the bottom end on No2 crank (big end on IC engines). Also the valve gear on No2 was showing signs of wear causing it to rattle and jitter about.
After much careful observation and probing the consultant engineer was called in. (Derrick Williams the resident engineer at the museum who rebuilt the engine 5 years ago). He discovered that a small bush had cracked and other bits where badly worn. These were replaced, which solved that problem.
Next, he looked at the bottom end, to find the reason for the knocking. When he rebuilt the engine he had the foresight to make a mandrill the same size as the crank journal, so that the bottom end block could be fitted to it in the comfort of the workshop and any wear measured. This he did, and to his amazement there was some 8/1000" (2mm) of wear hence the thump. Next question how and why. As the bottom end block was opened up ready to be machined a nest of rust like particles was found in the oilway preventing the oil reaching the bearing surface, the wear was due to lack of oil. Although the mechanical lubricator was doing its job backed up by regular use of the oilcan the oil wasn’t getting to those parts………etc. So we are now thumpless ready to go for our final season before the major restoration.
When President was restored by Malcolm Brain back in the early 1970s he endeavoured to retain as much of the original hull where practicable. In those areas that where showing signs of age he attempted to preserve the original material by overplating. Now some 30 years on and thousands of miles of hard work later the hull is getting very tired. Those of you who have travelled and worked on President will know that the areas under the side bed, above the counter and behind the cupboard are badly corroded. Water has started to weep between the sandwich of plates, which is speeding up the rate of corrosion. To correct this problem and preserve President for the next 100 years the hull and the underwater area known as the Swim will be restored. The back cabin will be rebuilt as close to the original FMC design as is possible and the metal cabin top over the boiler will be replaced enabling it to be easily removed for maintenance of the boiler. At the same time preparations will be made for the installation of the new engine which will also involve redesigning the pipework. The wooden bottom boards will also be renewed. Finally, the boat will be repainted in the correct FMC colours. All this work will be carried out by Ian Kemp at Dadsworth Wharf, Wordsley. Ian is one of the leading restorers of working boats and comes recommended.
Dave Stott
Last edited:- 10-Dec-2011