Having survived the worst of the winter (so far) we chose this weekend to do the routine maintenance, at our berth (Aqueduct Marina). I cant remember the exact figures in the log but I think we have done about 100 engine hours since the last change in Oct 2008. Prior year we did under 30, so we are getting better use. I reckon well do about 250 300 this year, all being well and BW permitting.
Oil changes were straightforward except that in place of the traditional brass (non fixed) squelchy hand pump I used a cheapo 12V Chinese oil extractor. A nasty piece of kit costing about £30 horrible plastic, awful racket but it was much quicker than the squelch pump. Also it was much more effective. The gearbox on UM is mounted in such a way that the drain plug cannot be removed, except with a special cranked spanner, which I dont have, and grazed knuckles, which I like to avoid. The 12V pump enabled me to remove about 30% more used oil through the filler hole than the hand pump ever achieved, though as usual the oil looked as good as new. I am tempted to pump it straight out of the gearbox and into the JP3 sump next time ! Or at least into a clear bottle so I can see if any lumps need straining out before pouring it in. The gearbox takes about 2L of 10W-50 whereas the engine takes 12-15L of straight 30. The JP does not bother with an oil filter. Theres a Brillo pad stuffed somewhere deep in an internal chamber and it needs a flush in diesel every . . . ermm . . . . every ahh . . . now & again. Apart from the diesel filter change separate message the batteries were topped up. These were replaced in July 2009, sourced from that Braidbar supplier (as recommended by Bruce N) and fitted by Neil A, in return for my sponsorship in the beer queue. There was nothing amiss with the levels but I squished in a few ccs, just to be sure. Distilled water, not beer. That's that. Beeky
