#bantam4

[canalmuseum]

By tonight we should have got to Watford but it was not to be. We have had so many troubles towing on the Paddington Arm caused by the selfish behaviour of people who throw rubbish into the canal. The propeller has been fouled so many times that we have now moored for the night and the weekend and towing will be arranged by another tug next week. We are grateful to Hillingdon Narrowboat Association for a lot of support with this project and the private owner of the tug MSC Bantam 1.

This blog will continue next week when we have got Bantam 4 to Watford!

[canalmuseum]

The good news now is that we have Bantam,IV running again. The fuel gauge is telling us lies, that's why we ran out of diesel. The manual pump that transfers diesel from the main tank to the day tank isn't working either but we have bought a small pump and have managed to refill the day tank from cans.

[canalmuseum]

Bantam IV left Watford on Thursday and after a problem with water cooling of the engine was fixed, caused by a mistake we made, it got to Widewater Lock. On Friday after an early start in freezing cold conditions everything went very well until we were between West Drayton and Hayes. The engine stopped due to fuel starvation. It looks as if we have two issues. The fuel gauge is faulty and led us to think we had plenty of diesel in the day tank, which feeds the engine. The pump that transfers fuel from the main tank to the day tank doesn't work any more so we are unable to run until this is fixed. We are looking at solutions!

[canalmuseum]

At long last, Bantam IV is out on the canal again. Today we are taking her on a test run from Watford to Rickmansworth and back, so far all is going well. We should be able to plan a return to the museum soon!

[canalmuseum]

News about the tug Bantam IV. After a long wait for the manufacture of a new propshaft the tug was put back in the water last week. The engine is installed and electric start fitted snd working. Alas there is a water leak that is letting cooling water into the exhaust. Two possible components that might be the culprits have been sent to Braunston for pressure testing. We should know more soon.

[canalmuseum]

The engine is now back in the engine compartment of Banyam IV and looking really good. However we now need a new prop shaft as the pld one has rusted solid over the winter. More delay alas but se sre in sight of getting the tug back to the museum in July.

[canalmuseum]

The Lister JP2 engine from Bantam IV is now back at the boatyard ready for reinstallation in the tug. It has been painted grey, belived to be the original colour. Almost certainly this was the most major overhaul the engine has ever had since manufacture in 1949. Next step is to crane it back in, then get everything connected.

[canalmuseum]

At long last the Lister JP2 engine of Bantam IV is finished having been given a major overhaul. Rather more work needed to be done than expected but Vintage Diesels at Braunston have done a fine job and the engine can now be returned to the tug.