News from the ‘hole - October 2007
Dave Stott
Apart from the disappointment of not doing the below sea run it has been a very good year down the 'ole. The modifications carried out last winter have proved very successful except one minor snag which will be discussed later in this report.
The expansion box has performed well. There is a slight reduction in noise, as the beats have been smoothed and now produce a steady muffled roar which is easier on the ears. The biggest gain is that all the oil and water (apart from, when starting from cold or after an overnight stop) is removed from the exhaust, resulting in a cleaner and easier cleaned boat.
The snag mentioned earlier is the annoying knock of the non return valve at low speed i.e. when passing the odd mile or so of moored boats which can get on one's wick. A modification is planned this winter to eliminate this problem.
Looking ahead, we have two further biggish jobs this winter, the weir pump is becoming a major problem the valve gear is worn and we have come to the conclusion that the infrequent use is one of the problems as it is designed to run for long periods. A replacement pump is being considered, which will be a banjo type, being a rotary pump with a simple slide valve and a small fly wheel is a much simpler pump and more reliable.
The second consists of small mods to the engine, Brian Empsall is fabricating a small umbrella to fit below the main gland on the piston which will deflect water away from the oil cups to stop contamination of the oil. Linked to this is the fitting of a pump to remove the oil and water from the engine sump which will be pumped to the hold into a oil drum.
I would like to thank all the drivers and engineering team for their valuable contributions this year and of course their good company and humour.
David Stott
Last edited:- 21-Jun-2008