Day 5 - So 'swarf' might be coming a topic of conversation? Perhaps I should add this to my CV....
So what did we achieve today?
1* Fine fuel filters changed on the 4 engines (2 x Cummins 450C and 2 x Onan gensets).
BUT, there a small drama. The Cummins filters would not come off. Using my trsty filter remover (plastic handle with large rubber band), and even using as much strength as I could, neither would budge. Geoff, the*engineer from the yard came over with 'the proper job' of a large piece of webbing coiled around a 1/2" chuck and a 2' extender to tighten and turn it.
The webbing tore! Geoff mentioned some somewhat strange words (were they English?) and*went and found another. Eventually, and using all his strength and weight (of which there was considerable) he managed to remove both filters. But they were mangled. Photos to follow when I have my new card reader....
2* One of the Cummins heat exchanger end plates has always wept slightly. And each season I remake the joint. This time, I found a company
Interseals*which specialises in gaskets and making them tight. Using some 'Blue Hylomar' I trust the plates weep no more, as the saying goes.
3* Lin has almost completed the brightwork polishing and waxing on the main decking, and soon starts on the flybridge. A great job. Sparkles. (Did I say photos will soon be posted?)
4* Cleaned the bilge. Isn't it interesting how you still find screws and*cable ties even after 7 years!
So what of Day 6, tomorrow? A friend is flying over from the mainland to Guernsey, to help with the tappets (valve lash?). Kim cranks the engine with the cranking tool (a very slow job) whilst I do the clearances. Kim is of a size where he can easily crawl behind the engines to do this. Being somewhat taller, I can't!
BUT the main topic of the day will be the launch of the first
Aquastar 80 which will happen right in front of me! Photos will (you know the rest)
Until next time - tune into the same channel, same time, tomorrow....