© 2011 Brian L Johnson
Blocked water inlet
Okay, let's get rid of the blockage. Take something long and thin (a straightened wire clothes hanger?) and
poke it gently down the plastic tube and out into the river. You'll be able to feel when it's pushed the blockage
out. Do it twice -- just to be sure! When it all feels clear, pull out your poking tool.
Close the stop-cock. That’s important.
Next, unscrew the hose-clamp on the clear hose and remove it. Re-fit the
black hose and tighten its hose-clamp.
Now, before you open the stop-cock to let the water flow again, look at the
weed-trap. It’s empty.
So, take the top off the weed-trap and completely fill it with water. Put the top
back on the weed-trap
Now you can open the stop-cock and start the engine. Finally, check for water
flow in the weed-trap and that there are no leaks.
Job done!
Why close the stop cock now?
Well, if you don’t and you just
remove the clear hose, the boat will
fill with water and sink.
Y’see, the only thing stopping all the
water rushing in at the moment is the
fact that the open end of the clear
hose is above the level of the river
outside the boat.
Another thing not to do is to bend the
top of the clear hose down into the
boat. If you do, it will siphon the river
into the boat and you will sink.
Scary, eh?
Why open the stop cock?
You know this one!
If you leave it closed and motor off,
the engine will get no cooling water
and it will overheat.
