Weekend trip to branston water park

Uneventful trip to branston - boat ran well - still losing a little water from the water pump area - not sure where exactly the leak is coming from.

Had a couple of pints and nice bar meal at the riverside - sky sports available but not advertised . Finished off the night in the blacksmiths arms - nicely refurbished. Got a bit wet on the way back but not too bad. One thing I did notice was the increasing poor attitude of boaters - getting like driving a car atm - what next - boat rage!

Good and bad news

The stainless steel pipe that I had made to connect the pump and the thermostat worked fine with a liberal coverage of gasket sealer. 

Next jobs to do are oil change and fuel filter change , then ready for an Easter cruise.

The reassembly of the water pump and thermostat housing went well. I took the boat for a run and it was fine. On checking the area of the water pump I notice a small amount of moisture coming out of the pump pulley - no more than a drip . I will monitor it but I don't think it will be a major issue as long as I watch the coolant level.

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.