050:21.23 N

003:34.24 W

Dittisham

We’re still chuckling that Harry returned to university via sailing boat and steam train. However, as we pulled out of Kingswear yesterday he listed all the things he realised he’d left on board TC…. fortunately a quick search online found a “Pop up Post Office in Dittisham runs from 0830 – 1000 on Thursdays”. Lucky chap.

After a run ashore with his two packages we realised we had to stop procrastinating and get stuck into dismantling the engine to find the source of the overheating which had reached 150 degrees yesterday.

Here is what occupied us today:

Began by trying to rod through the coolant inlet in the cylinder head (unsuccessful)

Removed the alternator, exhaust system and manifold to pour water through (unsuccessful)

Removed the inlet hose to rod through (unsuccessful)

Used liquid Fernox to clear the calcium build up (this fizzed and bubbled - good news)

After ¾ hour this ate through the calcium (success)

Poured water into the cylinder head passages until it came out of the manifold (success, eventually)

Reassembled the manifold

Removed the thermostat and tested it operated at 60 degrees in a saucepan (successful)

Pumped liquid Fernox through the cylinder head passages (successful)

Reassembled the thermostat, replaced the alternator, exhaust, rev counter, fitted a new drive belt

Ran for 30 minutes at 1800 RMP (success)

Such a relief to have solved this problem, Bol certainly knows his engine.

Back to Dartmouth tomorrow and plan to leave Saturday.