Blooming 'eck, only just avoided a seized engine.

Friday 13th

Arggggggg... I'm at a loss as to what to do. More bites on my back this morning and that was after all the bedding change and spraying the cabin with mozzie spray, wearing jumper and jogging bottoms and smothering myself in insect repellent. I had thought about bed bugs but how could that be possible if no one except ourselves sleeps in our bed. Still no bites on Ian, he is sooooo lucky. Had a comment from Andy (Festina Lente) about trying Marmite on toast. I hate the stuff and have none in the cupboard so will rule that out at the moment. Any suggestions on how to stop these blighters are gratefully received though.

Back at Northwich, it was time to do a shop.  Headed for the stern for my shoes when I heard this strange squeaking noise, like a door hinge in the need of some oil. Mentioned it to Ian who at first was totally unperturbed, but not for long 'cos he realised that the squeak was actually a low oil alarm!  So engine covers off and a horrible discovery made. Nearly all the oil was now on the engine bay floor! Estimated at least 4-5 litres and the engine holds around 7 litres. Rummaging around he found the problem. The Low-pressure switch and oil transmitter oil gauge had worked its way loose. No doubt the engine vibrations, especially as we had upped the revs on the way back to Northwich, had taken its toll.  The only way around it was to remove pressure gauge and tighten the pressure switch. Whilst removing the gauge one of the nuts disappeared in the oily gunk below. Could he find it? Not a hope so out from his man cupboard, a box containing hundreds of nuts and bolts. Always wondered why he needed so much stuff, now I know why! Anyway, nut found but another discovery made. No PTFE tape! Trip to the indoor market and came back a £1 lighter but tape in hand and at least the job could be finished. Thankfully, also in his man cupboard, 5 litres of oil. So once the oil was replaced in the engine, the dip stick read just under 3/4 full. He worried that we may have damaged the bearings and seized the engine. We had all our fingers crossed as he turned the key.  A sigh of relief as she started and sounded as sweet as you like. Preston Brook and Midland Chandlers are a must now, to top up the oil and keep another 5 litres as spare, just in case!

Empty diesel can swimming in the stuff.

Pressure Switch and gauge

4.5 Litres of oil scooped up and poured into an old 5-litre container Shame we couldn't reuse it.

I was sent out to purchase nappies but came back with these child bed protectors. For £2.99 for 10, it soaked up the oil nicely.

Loads to be soaked up

Almost clean floor after an hour of scooping and soaking.

Now good to go, Ian phoned the Anderton lift admins to see if we could ascend today. A 3.45pm slot was available so after a stop to use the Northwich facilities, we cruised down to sit on the holding pontoon until we were called.  

Two narrowboats on the way up as the trip boat descend.

Our turn

Two caissons nearly together

Back on the T&M

View from the top

And wildlife today, an ahhhhh moment

These at Northwich yesterday

And same family today

Bless

Sleepyhead

Hmm, Wonder what this caption could be.

The only way to travel