Project Weil - Part 2

June 2004

Our project continues. Some items are done (heating works, washer-dryer works), others are in progress (Generator needs new gaskets and we change injectors, engine injectors are replaced) and some other projects have not even started (floor, water-tank).
So we start wondering how long we are going to stay here? The plat is to leave second week of July, but ....

	Engine without oil filter - everything that remotely could be related to our oil pressure issue is checked, dismantled (like the oil sump and oil pump), cleaned and re-assembled.
	A view from below into the innards of the engine while the oil sump is off.
	Making space to put the washer-dryer in. No cooling water tank and no air intake (do you see the turbo with the fan-blades). On the 18th all is re-assembled and we start the engine for a first test run. After running the engine up to operating temperature we put the `pedal to the metal' (or more accurately the handle to the wood) to clean things out. The engine sounds good, exhaust is clear - we just have a problem that we do not have many places to run at full throttle, so I guess we have to schedule a trip up the Rhone once a year! Two small problems need to be solved: There seems to be a wiring issue somewhere as instruments keep showing incorrect results (0 revs at full throttle?) The drive-shaft to the injector pump needs tightning
	This is how a thermostat looks after having been used for 20 years .... It is time for a new one.
	Our second engine on board. The generator is also being worked on - just a normal 1000 hour revision with control of valves and injectors.
	Finally the burner is installed, electricity connected and we run a first test ... Pffffffffffffftttttttttt - is the sound an old (patched with hose clamps and tape) heating water pipe gives way to the higher pressure of the new system. Naturally the pipe sits behind the batteries and under the aft shower.
	While all this is going on Barry visits regularely to supervise (or just to make sure the dog biscuit supply never gets too low).
	Paint, paint, paint! All waiting to be used. 'Painting is just the dessert' says Thomas, 'the real work happens before'.
	Modern art! The iron of Avanti B after using the air pressure hammer to strip old paint.
	The steps to new color: Air pressure hammer - to get rid of layers of old paint Sanding paper and wire brush to smoothen the iron Special oil ('Leinöl and Hardtrockenöl') to protect temporarilz against rust 1, 2, 3 ... layers of primer and then the final high gloss paint!
	Thomas playing the air hammer. 20 steel needles driven by 10 bars of air hammering away at color, rust, ... Click on the picture to hear the sound of an air-hammer! I tell you it is LOUD, especially inside Avanti B, but Thomas says 'it is music to my ears'.
	Maurice, our Nephew, decides that he likes to use his hands today instead of counting beans at PWC. We always can use help if you are in the area!
	Port side without paint. The blue above is gone by now as well.
	Starboard looks equally sad. Should we paint or leave it this way? Professional shippers tell us leave it, easier to maintain but the local authorities veto with a big NO and so it will get painted!
	Another project. This is the current tank, but we decide to add more fresh water capacity below the floor in the small forward cabin used as walk-in-closet. So naturally the parquet has to wait until the tank is done.
	The washer-dryer arrives by air delivery
	What else is hanging from the crane? Bodo is welding a couple of fairleads to the aft section of Avanti B.
	Looks impressive! Just hanging over the water in a basket, but I guess it is the only way to have access to the desired location. I wonder if he receives an added bonus for artistic work? While welding a big tanker shows up and needs engine oil. You should have seen how fast one can operate a crane to get out of the way (I guess the prospect of being used as fender between a 130m tanker and Avanti B helped to accelerate the escape).
	The result. These fairleads will come in handy when bollards are not evenly spaced in locks or ports.