...wouldn't start this afternoon.
I think, subject to the price, we'll probably put a new engine in over the winter this year... it will be a constant source of worry if she won't start easily, plus, a more modern engine will probably halve our fuel consumption, or more usefully, double our range.
It's also a good chance to get into the bilges and get it all cleaned, dried, check the bearers are sound, and paint it all up nice and fresh!
Suspect its not going to be cheap though.... figuring on about £10k!!
Sunday 30 June 2013
what's that burning smell?
Switches all mounted neatly in the new panel
(pic to follow in a bit)
Then I repositioned the batteries and sorted the cabling to them out... its all now very neat and tidy, and a significant amount of unnecessary cable removed, so that should help with voltage drops. Its all also neatly clipped up and routed carefully, so looks a lot tidier. It also shows that I can get 4 batteries in of the size i've got, so I reckon that there is space for up to 440Ah in the future.
Along the way, I very nearly had a bit of a disaster..... I fitted the domestic batteries in the right location and proceeded to reattach the power leads.... and on attaching the negative, there was a funny sparking noise and a burning smell.... eek.... I'd fitted the leads the wrong way round.... and the alternator cable was smoking!!!!!!
I removed them a LOT quicker than i'd fitted them, and redid them the right way round.... phew!
I couldn't get the engine to start afterwards, but don't think its related, as the starter span OK, and the engine turned over... its a diesel, so doesn't have any electrical circuit to worry about.... as to whether the alternator and alternator controller have survived, i'll only find out when I can get the engine started.
These tasks took me all day, until time to leave, so nowhere near as much done as i'd hoped, but still good progress.
(pic to follow in a bit)
Then I repositioned the batteries and sorted the cabling to them out... its all now very neat and tidy, and a significant amount of unnecessary cable removed, so that should help with voltage drops. Its all also neatly clipped up and routed carefully, so looks a lot tidier. It also shows that I can get 4 batteries in of the size i've got, so I reckon that there is space for up to 440Ah in the future.
Along the way, I very nearly had a bit of a disaster..... I fitted the domestic batteries in the right location and proceeded to reattach the power leads.... and on attaching the negative, there was a funny sparking noise and a burning smell.... eek.... I'd fitted the leads the wrong way round.... and the alternator cable was smoking!!!!!!
I removed them a LOT quicker than i'd fitted them, and redid them the right way round.... phew!
I couldn't get the engine to start afterwards, but don't think its related, as the starter span OK, and the engine turned over... its a diesel, so doesn't have any electrical circuit to worry about.... as to whether the alternator and alternator controller have survived, i'll only find out when I can get the engine started.
These tasks took me all day, until time to leave, so nowhere near as much done as i'd hoped, but still good progress.
Saturday 29 June 2013
Wiring getting tidier
Spent most of the day making the panel for the master battery switches... its finished, and now has its second coat of stain to make it look like teak (its plywood!).... nice trim pieces to make it look tidy too.
Previously the battery switches were a bit dodgy, and not mounted very neatly.... I bought some new switches, and tried mounting them, but the panel had holes in the wrong places, and was also too thick... it was so thick (about 1 1/2") that I struggled to get the heavy battery cables onto the terminals on the back of the switches.... so I cut out big area, about 12" x 12" and have made a panel of 6mm ply to cover it, so that the switches will now be tidy.
This has taken me most of the day, but along the way, i've managed to fit the new compass, including running the wiring for the compass light (although its not connected up yet until the new switch panel is in), and finish the fitting if the panel at the chart table...
I did think that i'd not achieved much, but reflecting, its not a bad days work!
tomorrow I will start by relocating the batteries to their permanent home (decided they won't fit in the locker, so they are going on the platform in the engine room), as they are currently in a cupboard, then fit the battery cabling to its permanent home, which will be much tider. I don't want to start the batteries now, as without them I have no lights, and don't think i'll finish before its dark.... I'll then aim to rewire the engine start panel and alternator excitor circuit, as I can then recharge the batteries and also test the windlass.... but I still need to run heavy cables to the windlass as well... the current ones are a bit on the light side for my liking... I have the cable reay to fit....
so, it'll be a case of seeing how far I get really.
Previously the battery switches were a bit dodgy, and not mounted very neatly.... I bought some new switches, and tried mounting them, but the panel had holes in the wrong places, and was also too thick... it was so thick (about 1 1/2") that I struggled to get the heavy battery cables onto the terminals on the back of the switches.... so I cut out big area, about 12" x 12" and have made a panel of 6mm ply to cover it, so that the switches will now be tidy.
This has taken me most of the day, but along the way, i've managed to fit the new compass, including running the wiring for the compass light (although its not connected up yet until the new switch panel is in), and finish the fitting if the panel at the chart table...
I did think that i'd not achieved much, but reflecting, its not a bad days work!
tomorrow I will start by relocating the batteries to their permanent home (decided they won't fit in the locker, so they are going on the platform in the engine room), as they are currently in a cupboard, then fit the battery cabling to its permanent home, which will be much tider. I don't want to start the batteries now, as without them I have no lights, and don't think i'll finish before its dark.... I'll then aim to rewire the engine start panel and alternator excitor circuit, as I can then recharge the batteries and also test the windlass.... but I still need to run heavy cables to the windlass as well... the current ones are a bit on the light side for my liking... I have the cable reay to fit....
so, it'll be a case of seeing how far I get really.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
Fitting batteries
I've got three domestic batteries to fit....
Currently they are on the bottom shelf in the engine room cupboard... but i'd rather have that space for storing tools..... so I have been looking for alternative locations.
Also in the engine room is a boxed in section over part of the bilges with a drop in under-bunk style lid on the flat shelf on top, and I did wonder about mounting the batteries on there, but firstly I want some of that space for the watermaker, and secondly, the batteries would block the access to the box and be hard to move because of their weight.
Its a bit tight, and an odd shape, so didn't think I could fit the batteries in there.... but a bit of thinking and I suspect i've found a way.... I reckon I can get a shelf in there, fixed down at either end, and along one side, so secure enough, and then use car style battery clamps to hold the batteries in place on top... will measure up carefully!
Various bits have been arriving.... new compass is here, as are the deck organisers and mast base organisers... another parcel waiting to be collected from the post office.... suspect its the blocks.... winches, clutches and cable for windlass due later this week.
I'm also waiting on the light fittings for down below still.... have ordered a grand total of 11.... 7 of a standard style, and 4 with a dual red white option to provide night vision protection.
Next week i'll measure up for the headlining material and also order the ensign mount and staff, and then we're getting dangerously close to having all that wee need to get her ready to sail again.... not finished... but ready to sail!
Currently they are on the bottom shelf in the engine room cupboard... but i'd rather have that space for storing tools..... so I have been looking for alternative locations.
Also in the engine room is a boxed in section over part of the bilges with a drop in under-bunk style lid on the flat shelf on top, and I did wonder about mounting the batteries on there, but firstly I want some of that space for the watermaker, and secondly, the batteries would block the access to the box and be hard to move because of their weight.
Its a bit tight, and an odd shape, so didn't think I could fit the batteries in there.... but a bit of thinking and I suspect i've found a way.... I reckon I can get a shelf in there, fixed down at either end, and along one side, so secure enough, and then use car style battery clamps to hold the batteries in place on top... will measure up carefully!
Various bits have been arriving.... new compass is here, as are the deck organisers and mast base organisers... another parcel waiting to be collected from the post office.... suspect its the blocks.... winches, clutches and cable for windlass due later this week.
I'm also waiting on the light fittings for down below still.... have ordered a grand total of 11.... 7 of a standard style, and 4 with a dual red white option to provide night vision protection.
Next week i'll measure up for the headlining material and also order the ensign mount and staff, and then we're getting dangerously close to having all that wee need to get her ready to sail again.... not finished... but ready to sail!
Sunday 23 June 2013
some bits ordered
well, I had to buy 'em at some point...
2 new winches (Lewmar Evo 30ST), clutches for three reefs, the main halyard, topping lift, kicker and staysail sheet (Lewmar D2), plus associated deck organisers (Spinlock T50) and blocks...., can now lead everything back with a bit of mounting and fabrication. I need to do this before the headlining goes in.
I've also ordered the replacement compass... the current one is too small (doesn't cover the pedestal top) and has a a huge bubble in it.
I wanted to order a pedestal guard as well, to mount the plotter, as its easier to fit while replacing the compass, but can only find them sold online in the US, and delivery from Edson was outrageous.... £104 !!!!!!!
So have emailed UK agent to see what they can do
I'll also order the light fittings and headlining material soon.... and the paint for the cockpit.... that way I can start getting the deck to look as good as the interior.
Starting to get there now.
2 new winches (Lewmar Evo 30ST), clutches for three reefs, the main halyard, topping lift, kicker and staysail sheet (Lewmar D2), plus associated deck organisers (Spinlock T50) and blocks...., can now lead everything back with a bit of mounting and fabrication. I need to do this before the headlining goes in.
I've also ordered the replacement compass... the current one is too small (doesn't cover the pedestal top) and has a a huge bubble in it.
I wanted to order a pedestal guard as well, to mount the plotter, as its easier to fit while replacing the compass, but can only find them sold online in the US, and delivery from Edson was outrageous.... £104 !!!!!!!
So have emailed UK agent to see what they can do
I'll also order the light fittings and headlining material soon.... and the paint for the cockpit.... that way I can start getting the deck to look as good as the interior.
Starting to get there now.
Tuesday 4 June 2013
double solenoids
One of my coming challenges is to rewire the windlass....
I've already decided to run welding wire from the starter battery (via a switch) down the boat, rather than try and locate a battery and charging system at the bow...
But previously, i've noted that there is a strange combination of solenoids at the windlass, that I didn't understand...
A bit of research, and i've got it sorted!
Application of a low power 12v supply to the energising side of the solenoid via a switch and it switches the -ve power feed over to a +ve... ie provides power to the windlass.... if the switch is 2 way, or 'up' and 'down', then it energises either one solenoid or the other ie reverses the power supply to the windlass...
A simple solution to the problem, and a lot cheaper than a single reversing solenoid.
I also need to add a breaker, as there currently isn't one.... only, not sure what rating I need.... I don't actually know what power the windlass motor is....
I think its a Simpson Lawrence Seawolf 520, but googling doesn't seem to help give me an answer... and i'm not 100% sure that i've got the right model either until I physically check!
I've already decided to run welding wire from the starter battery (via a switch) down the boat, rather than try and locate a battery and charging system at the bow...
But previously, i've noted that there is a strange combination of solenoids at the windlass, that I didn't understand...
A bit of research, and i've got it sorted!
Application of a low power 12v supply to the energising side of the solenoid via a switch and it switches the -ve power feed over to a +ve... ie provides power to the windlass.... if the switch is 2 way, or 'up' and 'down', then it energises either one solenoid or the other ie reverses the power supply to the windlass...
A simple solution to the problem, and a lot cheaper than a single reversing solenoid.
I also need to add a breaker, as there currently isn't one.... only, not sure what rating I need.... I don't actually know what power the windlass motor is....
I think its a Simpson Lawrence Seawolf 520, but googling doesn't seem to help give me an answer... and i'm not 100% sure that i've got the right model either until I physically check!
Sunday 2 June 2013
The thorny issue of leading back...
for my non sailing friends, that is taking all the lines that control the sails right back to the cockpit, so that in rough weather you don't have to step out of it's safety.
In the pro side....
safely in the cockpit
dry when it's rough
potential for one line to reef the main sail
On the cons side....
More friction making it harder to reef
needs two people if it get stuck
lot's of cash to lead back
needs extra holes in the dog house (the solid 'canopy' over the front of the cockpit) to lead lines through
Currently I have 3 winches at the mast base, and one on the boom.... so these could be removed (or left for emergencies)... i'd need 2 new ones in the cockpit.... at £500 each, this isn't a trivial decision.... i'd also need rope clutches to jam the lines.... at about £70 each, this is also a non trivial decision (I think I need 7 of them... see below)... I'd also need blocks and deck organisers to lead the lines back properly.... another few hundred quid...
However, it isn't really a debate.... the boss doesn't like me heading up on the deck when its cutting up rough, so we'll be leading them back! (and seriously, it IS nicer to be able to reef from the cockpit!)
I have to lead back the main halyard, the topping lift, the kicker, 3 by single line reefing set-ups and the staysail sheet.... i've decided that the staysail traveller can find an alternative arrangement, possibly jam cleats, possibly leading the lines down the side of the dog house... they're too unimportant to justify an extra £200 to get them into the cockpit!
A quick bit of mental arithmetic suggests that the total cost is about £1700
Bottom line is that I need to decide, and get the bits prior to refitting the headlining, as I need to bolt them securely through.... not decided if that means more money now, or a delayed headlining fitting!
Ah.... what's money?
In the pro side....
safely in the cockpit
dry when it's rough
potential for one line to reef the main sail
On the cons side....
More friction making it harder to reef
needs two people if it get stuck
lot's of cash to lead back
needs extra holes in the dog house (the solid 'canopy' over the front of the cockpit) to lead lines through
Currently I have 3 winches at the mast base, and one on the boom.... so these could be removed (or left for emergencies)... i'd need 2 new ones in the cockpit.... at £500 each, this isn't a trivial decision.... i'd also need rope clutches to jam the lines.... at about £70 each, this is also a non trivial decision (I think I need 7 of them... see below)... I'd also need blocks and deck organisers to lead the lines back properly.... another few hundred quid...
However, it isn't really a debate.... the boss doesn't like me heading up on the deck when its cutting up rough, so we'll be leading them back! (and seriously, it IS nicer to be able to reef from the cockpit!)
I have to lead back the main halyard, the topping lift, the kicker, 3 by single line reefing set-ups and the staysail sheet.... i've decided that the staysail traveller can find an alternative arrangement, possibly jam cleats, possibly leading the lines down the side of the dog house... they're too unimportant to justify an extra £200 to get them into the cockpit!
A quick bit of mental arithmetic suggests that the total cost is about £1700
Bottom line is that I need to decide, and get the bits prior to refitting the headlining, as I need to bolt them securely through.... not decided if that means more money now, or a delayed headlining fitting!
Ah.... what's money?
VHF also works
Wired up the VHF.... a bit of a delay as it didn't work to start with.... lots of tracing back of wiring eventually found a single dry joint.... fixed that and it's another bit of electronics sprung into life!
I couldn't resist making up the aerial cable and sticking the aerial on deck.... great to hear some VHF traffic again!
Other than that, spent some time bimbling, doing some tidying up... and then home... enough for one weekend.... and a very successful one at that.
I couldn't resist making up the aerial cable and sticking the aerial on deck.... great to hear some VHF traffic again!
Other than that, spent some time bimbling, doing some tidying up... and then home... enough for one weekend.... and a very successful one at that.
Saturday 1 June 2013
and we have depth!
Connected the depth sounder to power, and ping.... it works!
The reason I am surprised is that I couldn't fit the through hull fitting due to the angle of the hull (the shaft wasn't long enough), so instead, in forlorn hope, I fibreglassed a tube to the inside of the hull, and filled it with silicon, and plonked the sounder on top....
....and it works!
I can't test the log (speedo for landlubbers),) as I can't find the sender!..... i'm hoping that i've taken it home, as they are expensive!!!!
And the wind won't work due to my cowardly failure in reaching the masthead.
The reason I am surprised is that I couldn't fit the through hull fitting due to the angle of the hull (the shaft wasn't long enough), so instead, in forlorn hope, I fibreglassed a tube to the inside of the hull, and filled it with silicon, and plonked the sounder on top....
....and it works!
I can't test the log (speedo for landlubbers),) as I can't find the sender!..... i'm hoping that i've taken it home, as they are expensive!!!!
And the wind won't work due to my cowardly failure in reaching the masthead.
instruments in
all the instruments in..... although not wired up yet!.... they'll need to come back out for the panel to be painted yet.
and she lives again, part 2
Engine restarted for the second time after she stopped last weekend with water in the fuel.
50ltrs of fresh diesel added this morning at 07:30, and it's taken since then to get her started!
I'd already emptied and cleaned the tank.... and today did the same with the filters... again... but she wouldn't start.
bled the filters... fuel just fine.... cracked open an injector... nowt.... not even a sniff of air coming out...
so, after starting at the beginning, and draining every section of pipework of air, I eventually discovered the bleed screw on the fuel injector pump.... out shot loads of air, and 2 mins later, she's started....
Now running beautifully on nice fresh fuel....
great to see normal red in the fuel filter bowl again, instead of funny pink, slowly turning clear!
50ltrs of fresh diesel added this morning at 07:30, and it's taken since then to get her started!
I'd already emptied and cleaned the tank.... and today did the same with the filters... again... but she wouldn't start.
bled the filters... fuel just fine.... cracked open an injector... nowt.... not even a sniff of air coming out...
so, after starting at the beginning, and draining every section of pipework of air, I eventually discovered the bleed screw on the fuel injector pump.... out shot loads of air, and 2 mins later, she's started....
Now running beautifully on nice fresh fuel....
great to see normal red in the fuel filter bowl again, instead of funny pink, slowly turning clear!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)