Andrew needed to return home today in time to collect his car which has been in for a repair over Christmas. However, we persuaded him to stay at least long enough to tackle the bilge pump repair.
A few days ago the pump entered a mode in which it switched on for one second every two or three seconds. Apart from being very annoying to occupants it would make a significant drain on the electricity. As a result, even though it would empty the bilge on manual, we were very keen to have it repaired before we leave the boat as it is surprising just how much water collects in the engine bay.
On line research suggested that this behaviour is not unknown but we could find no solution - a couple of suggestions were of no avail. However, we did know that the marina office stocked a replacement - it is a newer model and we had to check that it would readily fit and be appropriate.
Satisfied that this was a sensible and necessary step we shelled out for a new pump and set about installing it. It would have been a ten minute job were it not for the fact that out stock of connectors did not include the most convenient for the job and so we had to use an alternative. The existing pump had non-reusable connectors.
After almost an hour, Andrew finally succeeded in joining up the pump and we poured some water into the bilge before switching on for a test. We were somewhat relieved that it not only switched on and emptied the water but also switched off when complete! Another test confirmed it was OK.
Andrew left just before lunch having checked that his car would be ready for him and also making the necessary transfer arrangement between garage and car hire firm!
In the midst of the pump replacement, Christine announced that the extractor fan in the bathroom was not working. Mike set about checking - the power supply was fine but when switched on the fan turned for a couple of seconds and then stopped. It took a bit of effort to remove the fan from the ceiling, to check that the wiring was OK but also to find out what make and model it was. However, there was not much else that could be done right no, other than to put it all back together again.
Frustratingly, about three hours later Christine further reported that it was now running again! We will have to brace ourselves for it being yet another intermittent fault which ultimately will require a replacement but if we know what to get then it should be a bit easier.
We took a short trip into town for paper and milk but that's it for today . . (we hope)
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