Starting an Old Canal Boat Engine - Will It Start?

Join me in this 'extract' from my recent Travels by Historic Narrowboat series of videos - in this video I demonstrate the starting procedure of a 1950's Ailsa Craig RL2 - a vintage twin-cylinder narrowboat diesel engine . . . but will it start?
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#narrowboat #canal #travelsbynarrowboat #historicboat #lancastercanal #britishwaterways #vintageengine #enginestart #ailsacraig

[MrMopar]

A couple of ideas from a retired diesel mechanic. If for some reason you run short of those starting wicks make your own. Some cotton that you impregnate Vaseline with by dipping in the Vaseline and rolling between your fingers to get the desired diameter, then roll up using cigarette rolling paper to the correct size. Second but try this without the wicks is with the air cleaner off spray some WD40 in the intake port while cranking the motor over. I’ve started numerous diesel engines in cold winter conditions where the preheat-glow plugs systems did not work. WD40 is a awesome starting fluid for diesel engines and I never use conventional starting fluid in them.

[johnrossiter]

What a gorgeous old engine. I could listen to that all day and love every minute of it. ❤

[dingnextstop]

Wow… absolute music to my ears..! I have an old BMC 1500D in mine which I’ve nursed for 24 years.. oh how I wish for one that sounds like that…! Thank you for sharing 👍🏻

[tessapetters]

OMG what a beautiful engine and sound. My father used to build and maintain these old engines and had a passion for anything beam, steam and diesel, as long as it was classic and not a modern one. He had old Listers in his workshop hooked to our electricity supply, in case of power cuts too. Brings back so many happy memories, just hearing it.

[bobuncle]

Don’t ever stop using that engine. It’s amazing. Kind of reminds me of the field marshal tractors. They use a wick as well. And instead of cranking, a shotgun shell is used.

[OvGraphics]

Of minor interest. My wife and I have different ways of watching Mr. Gent during the days but we save him to watch together in the evenings. All caught up. EVERY episode ever transmitted across the pond.

[RodgerMudd]

Cool looking engine, great sound. Old marine diesel expert here.

[AndyUK-Corrival]

What a lovely engine. I used to have a Kelvin K3 in a fishing boat, lovely old, engines will go on for ever.

[drcovell]

She sounds great. I love old engines and I’m absolutely chuffed that she runs that well!

Finding 4” long and ½” thick cotton wicks soaked in saltpeter must be difficult!

❤ from all the way across the pond and the Colonies on the CA Central Coast!

[billsmith]

Just loved this, I'm an engineer.🙂

[spudst]

Joy upon Joy! What a wonderful noise, took a while to prepare, but that's all part of success very many thanks for posting. Enjoy your Festive season in your own special way

[michaeldunagan]

What a nice boat!

Cute diesel engine lugs write down with the big Caterpillar C15s!

Showroom condition paint job!

[davidwelch]

A fascinating video of a beautiful engine, but the engine is only part of the tale - your knowledge and skill enables the engine to run so sweetly. There is probably another video to be made showing how those wicks are made and the shop that sells them.

[TerryC]

Hi Kevin! One would be hard pressed indeed to find a more stylish and curiosity filled engine room. Very nice!

[The_DuMont_Network]

What a lovely old girl, and such a sweet sound. Well done, and Thanks!

[SteveMikre]

Thank you Kevin! The motor is music to my ears...🎶

[andyrbush]

Every time I watch one of your videos I want to go boating on the canals on an old boat with an old diesel engine chugging away.

[andy-incognito]

I’m very happy to watch it again. Like that you made this a vid on its own. Thank you.

[tb-yzti]

Listen to that to good, love that sound and away you go cheers 🇦🇺✌️👍🏴‍☠️

[Milkybar]

Chug chug chug chug, if only Timex could make a watch tick this good