Diesel bug/fuel contamination

We have been having an intermittent fuel problem for the last two months.

 Before doing the Thames Tideway I had replaced the main fuel filter as well as the fuel pump filter, this was done at least 3 months ahead of schedule but we didn't want any problems on the tidal Thames.

As you know, we survived the trip but it didn't go without a hitch. We started out from Limehouse using between 1600-1800 rpm nothing unusual there but about 2 hrs into the journey Richard on NB Indigo Dream called for an increase in speed so we pushed the rpm up to 2000+ then our troubles started, after about 2 minutes we started to loose power, throttle was retarded and power was restored, again pushed our rpm to 2000+, again loss of power again the throttle was retarded and power was restored so the remainder of the trip was done at 1800 rpm. Investigation of all the fuel system, Wasp filter, Main fuel and pump filter revealed no problems. Stumped.

Two weeks ago, when we had our friends Brian and Rosie aboard we had a similar problem whilst winding below Lechlade, but this time the engine almost gave up and stalled, having knocked it out of gear and gently teasing the throttle I managed to keep her running but only just. Investigated the fuel system again, and nothing found. I was beginning to wonder whether I had a problem with the injectors.

Tuesday evening I was reading, well scanning the new Towpath Talk where I saw an advertisement for a company called MLS Ltd who were offering a product which could possibly solve my problem, I investigated their Website and found out that they were operating out of Oxford. A quick phone call and two days later Ben below came out to MR at Thrupp and carried out a fuel condition test, free of charge.

I was knocked sideways, above is a sample taken from the bottom of MR's tank and as you can see 25% of the sample is water containing rust and contamination.

Once the water was separated from the sample the diesel was tested, the sample contained 1.9% biodiesel and 2081ppm of contaminants.

FP100 Purifiner

So, yes I bought the above, an FP100 Purifiner at a cost of £208+ VAT.

FP100 installed on MR

"When the fuel enters the unit the baffles in the system immediately induce a swirling action, which causes water and solid contaminants to separate out of the fuel. The contaminants sink to the base of the unit where they are retained – the contaminants are simply drained and disposed of when the system is full. "
Now only time will tell, however, in the meantime MLS Ltd also have a portable fuel cleaning system which can be hired at £30 a day which I shall probably take advantage of.

No Problem's social secretary speaking

Vic and Sue have gone 'down sarf' and Sue's last two blogs have gone walk-about. I guess that's to do with server changes (get me; I don't have a clue what that means).

Out walking yesterday I met this really wicked looking ram - knock kneed, tattered eared and still happy to stomp his feet to protect his ladies as we walked past! A ram with attitude. He's so ugly that he's gorgeous

This is his side Kick waiting to take over!

You have to admit that he is better looking

Back in the dark and dingy hedges and ditches

Very, very, strange being back on the narrow canal that is the South Oxford - it must be two and a half years since we were on a narrow (apart from the short link up the Rothersthorpe flight from The Nene to the Grand Union).

 Some bright spark decided it would be a good idea to have a ladies day on MR. I'm telling you, the link from Dukes Cut (Thames to the S.Oxford) isn't bloody navigable - it's kayak country in a 66ft narra!!

I was absolutely shattered from the sheer concentration after the first couple of hours and chucked the tiller at Sue so as I could walk my dogs - it's what I do on canals - for the last two locks and lift bridge. Those bends; you'll never get bingo wings! Baxter quickly assumed his old locking position

 The fellers pulling up behind us outside the Jolly Boatmen at Thrupp

 G having enjoyed helming NP for a change

 they were a bit behind us as they'd stopped to harvest some excellent wood

 Talking of wood ......

 We moved up to Shipton on Cherwell this morning after a visit from a fuel specialist engineer - G will do that technical blog later. We met up with Bones and Maffi last night - the latter was just leaving the lift bridge to set off on his winter travels as we approached it this morning

 that's a wicked turn after the bridge; but with Maffi having left at least that first boat wasn't breasted up and that gives you another 7ft.

 Here come Sue and Sir on NP

 Sue cracked it in one as well

 Moored in one of our favourite places, Daisy glares at Meg and poses for a nice pic

 and Sue and I and the dogs trundled off around the village in a vain search for apples