Birdswood at cromford

We also had a walk along the remains of the nightingale arm which goes from the navigable section end to lea bridge.

The Birdswood trip boat - note quiet electric motor conversion - I think there are plans to use a horse to pull the boat

Gasket making for dummies v1.01

Mission accomplished - two gaskets made for the pump and thermostat housing - easier when you have the proper gear. Just need to find a replacement pipe now.

Manchester again

Second Manc visit in a fortnight. This time we were around in the light. 

Thermostat housing

After a failed attempt to remove the broken bolt a new housing was sourced for a very reasonable £20 (apparently the Mitsubishi  L2 is used in small plant). Unfortunately the removal of the old housing proved just as problematic with another bolt shearing. The only way to free the bolt was to angle grind off the housing after loosening the water pump to help. The only potential further problem is the removal of the small pipe fitted to the housing/water pump (held in place by rubber o rings). Hopefully it will come out and I can re fit the housing and water pump. New gaskets and some bolts will be needed together with some gasket paste. 

Broken bolt

I tested the water pump yesterday morning and it was found to be pumping ok in both directions. The only remaining issue is now the removal of the broken bolt, so I can replace the thermostat housing. I had no success with the mole grips yesterday so the next step is to flatten off the top of the bolt and punch it and drill a pilot hole. I will then try and use an extraction tool. A week with wd40 oil may also help. The only issue is the the small width of the bolt. I have also bought some gasket sheet for the one that broke on the housing, hopefully will be able to replace soon.

Thermostat removed

On advice I have removed the small thermostat - unfortunately one of the bolt heads sheared - will try and remove tomorrow after letting the Wd 40 do it's work. I will clean the pipe to the water pump next and try and establish if the pump is working 

Manchester 15/2/14

We walked back to Manchester City centre from the etihad on sat evening which followed the line of the Ashton canal. My daughter works in a pub around the corner from the canal on princess street. I like the way the modern buildings have given the canal a new lease of life and although the barrier on canal street has annoyed many boaters it looks superb .