Free engine maintenance courses

Published: Thursday, 08 July 2010

THE well known engineer, Tony Brooks, will be running free maintenance  courses at the IWA National Festival on the Thames.

His idea is to help boaters, particularly new ones, learn more about their boats, with mini-maintenance in conjunction with RCR courses over the three days of the show during the August Bank Holiday.

On the Saturday he will be covering packing the stern gland at 12.00;  Diesel fuel systems at 14.00; Simple engine electrical testing at 16.00.

On the Sunday it will be Diesel fuel systems at 12.00; simple engine electrical testing at 14.00; Packing the stern gland at 16.00.

For Monday Simple engine testing at 12.00; Packing the stern gland at 14.00; Diesel fuel systems (including bleeding) at 16.00.

Stern gland

The things that influence stern gland wear and how to overcome them will be explained and the adjusting and repacking of a gland will be demonstrated.

Diesel Fuel System

The problems that can arise within the fuel system and how to minimise them will be explained. Visitors will have the opportunity to change a fuel filter and the bleeding of the system will be demonstrated.

Simple Engine Electrical Testing

A method of ensuring the boat's electrical loads, charging system and running time are adequate for reliable operation will be explained. Simple fault finding on the glowplugs, alternator and charging circuits will be demonstrated with opportunities for visitors to try the techniques.