Even though it was tipping it down with rain this morning, we still decided to get underway. Dennis got away first and because I don't mind travelling with the brolly up (Ian hates that) I took the helm. Not long after Hatherton junction, I noticed both Dennis and Margaret looking back at me. "Hmmm...now why is that" I thought. Didn't think anything was amiss until I also glanced back. OMG.... clouds of white smoke billowing from the exhaust. Now, this can mean one of two things. Either we have a new Pope or our engine is knackered! Guess which one it was!!!
Ian was worried one of the injectors was the problem as the smoke came and went intermittently but then the engine started making funny noises and the decision was made to stop. A quick phone call to Margaret and they pulled over too.
There was nothing for it but to bite the bullet and change the head gasket. This meant staying put for the rest of the day and running the generator. While he stripped the engine I made Leek and Potato soup, well tried too as suddenly my blender gave up the ghost. For goodness sake, what else is going to go wrong! I was trying to work out how to puree the veg when expletives suddenly came from the stern. Rushing over to Ian I discovered an overturned plastic container with screws, bolts and nuts scattered, not just over the step, but in the oil covered engine bay as well! Hmmm, best to leave him to it me thinks!
 |
| This box was full! |
Anyway needless to say he did find most by fishing with a magnet but 4 are still missing. The new head casket is now in place and engine block torqued. But until those bolts are found we ain't going nowhere! Tomorrow I will either be one happy bunny 'cos we are on the move again or downright miserable because they have not been found! So the question is, will the bolts ever be found? Will Ian still be down the engine ole tomorrow and will he be a covered head to toe in oil? Tune in tomorrow folks for the next thrilling instalment.
 |
| The black mark on the ring shows where the problem was |
4 comments:
All credit to Ian for being able to change a head gasket - I wouldnt know where to start....
Hi Andy, Ian worked at his uncle's garage during school holidays and every thing he does now is due to this one mans tuition. I am one very lucky lady.
I'm a bit concerned at the amount of rust in the water passageways - cast iron not withstanding. If these get blocked it will lead to localised overheating, and a repeat of the head gasket blowing. Do you use anti-freeze or a corrosion inhibitor in the cooling system?
Hi Dave, Yes Ian makes sure there is 50 percent of antifreeze in the cooling system.
Post a Comment