Initial test run of 1935 National DM2 following major overhaul including a brand new crankshaft.

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Well, that's another historic boat show done. The weather was certainly an improvement on last year. A big thanks to everyone who came to see us.

This weekend is the Braunston Historic Narrowboat show. Come along and see dozens of historic working boats, both moored up and in the parades. Many other attractions such as the waterways artists guild, craft tent, real ale and trade exhibits. We shall be there with a sample of products we produce and services we provide, along with 2 demonsration engines. A 1935 National and a 1930 Gardner 2L2 which will be running on display. Feel free to pop by to ask any questions or to discuss any projects you may have.

We are pleased to offer for sale this very hard to come by Brass semi rotary pump. Please message or call us if you're interested.

Remember the cylinder block we were removing in situ a couple of weeks ago? Well, we returned this week with the replacement and the cylinder head rebuilt to reassemble the engine. This is the initial test run. Very happy with the result.

I previously posted a couple of throttle control worm boxes that we produce. This is a comparison against what they are often used to replace!

Being in the line of work we do, we are often asked to help with projects that are a little special. Yesterday was another job on one such project. We have been privileged to be involved with the restoration of one of the Dunkirk Little Ships. We initially supplied the gearboxes and conversion parts for the twin Gardner 4LK engines that the owner has now fitted, and subsequently the rest of the driveline. We also supplied and fitted the raw water pumps and heat exchangers for the engine cooling. The most recent job has been retro fitting a conversion for external engine oil coolers as the oil was found to get a little too warm on it's trip to the Dunkirk reunion.

As well as our popular traditional engine control throttle lever box, we also produce bevel gearboxes and these worm drive boxes. With a 20:1 reduction they are designed to work with the original Lister JP Marine throttle linkage. Giving 4 turns on your speedwheel from tickover to full throttle, it gives you precise control over your engines speed without excessive movement. They are also suited to many other applications.

Having diagnosed this Gardner 3LW with a porous cylinder block, due to previous frost damage by the looks of it, the next problem is removing the cylinder block for replacement. So, just how do we remove a 150lb lump of cast iron in situ in the middle of a narrowboat with no crane or forklift available?.......

Another day, another poorly engine! We were called out to give an opinion on how this Lister ST3 was running. 5 seconds was more than enough to give a diagnosis that it had probably knocked out a big end. Upon stripping the engine in the workshop we've found that No.3 big end bearing had suffered catastrophic failure and the crank and connecting rod have taken a beating.