Attempt at making Bombardier run a bit smoother

I had been feeling that the distributor maybe needed a bit of an overhaul as sometimes the timing appeared to drift and the idle could be poor at times. I suspected the mechanical weights maybe needed cleaning and lubricating and the weight springs etc. checking. So I removed the distributor for inspection.

Although it was found to be in not too bad a condition and service parts such as points, condenser, rotor and arm and cap had already been replaced by myself last year, the internals were found to be quite dirty but serviceable. So it was dismantled and cleaned and given a fresh coat of paint.

Whilst out of the boat I have now also replaced the points set up with an electronic ignition module and whilst at it purchased a new coil which matches the set up.

I know these modules do get mixed reviews  but I fitted one to my MGB a couple of years ago and found it to be quite an improvement. I will just keep the points etc. onboard should the module ever give up the ghost.

Hopefully early next week when I'm not working I will get chance to refit and see if it makes any improvement.

Getting ready for the year ahead

Well it's that time of year to start thinking about using Bombardier again. I had visited the boat fairly regularly but if I'm honest the mild weather made me worry less about leaving it so much. Each time I have visited I've swapped one of the batteries for a freshly charged one and left the bilge pump switched to that fresh battery. With being away at Christmas it was around a month since last visiting and I found the selected battery was completely flat and the bilge was a little fuller than usual but not alarmingly so.

 I connected a fresh battery and emptied the bilge then switched to the starter battery and attempted my first engine start of the year. No joy. It would appear the starter was sticking. After giving it a clonk with a hammer I did get some action from it. Typical solenoid symptom so removed the tatty looking starter to examine at home.

Although it looked tatty I bench tested and found the motor itself fine but the solenoid was defective. A new starter was available at £240 but I opted to just replace the solenoid at a cost of £25 and it arrived 2 days later. Whilst off the boat I have also given the start a general clean up and a fresh coat of paint and its looking much healthier now!

On refitting, the boat started first time but it is running lumpy as it was on the last outing. I am suspecting the distributor mechanical advance is sticking and hopefully will take a look later today when I've got home from work and had some sleep. Hopefully it will be serviceable as a new one is costly and may have to come from California.

Selby Bound

A tricky Journey from Naburn as far as Cawood due to low sun straight ahead. By around Kelfield the sun was above the level of the windscreen making thing a little easier.

Lock keeper preparing Selby lock for our arrival.

Arriving at Selby at fair speed.

Turning into the tide to assist our passage into the lock.

Safely in Selby Lock.

The Ouse in flood

I spent last night at work watching the Ouse rise on a York webcam and also on the EA website hoping all was well with the boat. I had already moved Bombardier onto a floating pontoon on Monday in anticipation of rain on the Tuesday and Wednesday. Sure enough the river came up around 6ft in York. To access this pontoon you normally have to climb down a ladder around 5ft but today you were able to step straight on.

This is where we usually moor in Naburn. Missing from the picture is a 2ft retaining wall and the riverside footpath which itself is usually around 3ft above the waterline. 

Aire and Calder Selby Section

Turning at Knottingley towards Bank Dole lock for access to the River Aire proper.

Arriving at Beal Lock.

Departing Beal.

Moored at Burn. Will and me will move up to Selby later in the week ready for York journey next weekend.

Up the Junction

Having not used the boat for a long time due to work and 3 weeks in California we took a short trip from Pollington to the junction between the Aire and Calder and the New Junction Canal where Southfield reservoir is located.

Not long after we witnessed a wonderful sunset. What a lovely spot.

Overnight visit to Stanley Ferry

We had left the Boat at Castleford following our trip to Leeds as we fancied trying the Wakefield branch of the Aire and Calder whilst at that neck of the woods. Saturday lunch we went on our way, initially going a mile up the main branch of the A&C to have lunch at The Boat Inn, Allerton Bywater which was well worth a visit. We then headed back to Castleford Junction and up the Calder

A family of swans followed us up the River Calder

The disused coal loading basin at Whitwood is now the pleasant moorings of Fairies hill and Altofts cut

Moored at Stanley Ferry

 On exploring on foot I found this impressive view of the original aqueduct which was built over the River Calder in 1863.

 From this angle you can see the original aqueduct along with the replacement which was only built in 1981 to allow renovation of the original structure. Coal from local collieries was loaded at Stanley Ferry right up to 1985 for transport down to Goole Docks in tub boats known as 'Tom Puddings'. To the right of the picture you can see the buildings belonging to the Canal and River Trust where lock gates are made for use all over the country.

New lock gates awaiting shipment.

The atmosphere was so nice at Stanley Ferry we are planning to go back again this weekend before heading back to our mooring at Pollington either Sunday or early next week as I'm working the next 2 weekends.