London, solenoids and seagulls (again)

Well, continuing the very boring theme of  "tidying up all the things that need attention before we head off cruising again" we finally decided to sort out the screen washers. Ages ago the solenoid that operates them had packed up. Probably through lack of use as you so rarely get serious salt spray onto the pilothouse screens. It failed in the shut mode so the captain removed it, "persuaded it" to open and then we controlled the washers via the isolation valve fitted into the water supply line rather than the button on the wiper control panel. Not as easy but since they are used once in a blue moon it wasn't too hard.

We finally got around to searching for a new solenoid valve on the internet. Of course, the wiper manufacturers wanted the GDP of a small African country for a new one. Buying an identical replacement Danfoss unit from a valve specialist was simpler and cheaper. Here is the valve assembly and coil:

Only the valve assembly was needed and the new one was plumbed back into the little cupboard it is mounted in. A small but satisfying repair job. Must remember to use the washers now so that it doesn't seize up like the old one...

As it seemed to be solenoid time, we also procured a new gas solenoid. Again, the old one that is operated by the Xintex alarm panel had failed a while ago meaning we had to rely on the manual valve on the supply system. This solenoid valve we did get from the manufacturer - there were a few "no brand" gas valves on sale via eBay etc but when it comes to gas you kind of want to be safe! The solenoid, which is fitted just after the pressure regulator with Gas pipe sealant (by a Gas Safe engineer of course), isn't the prettiest thing and the label has to be upside down too:

Of course, the Xintex manual says that the solenoid valve should be fitted before the regulator - which is not the way this boat came from the factory. Some investigation is needed. That positioning makes sense of course and the valve is rated to the pressure in the LPG cylinders.

However, the new part restored control to the little push button on the gas alarm panel. Nice and simple for now.

We also got around to fitting a little but very bright LED light into the area where the Racor main engine fuel filters are fitted. The one conventional 24v bulb in there didn't properly show you any dirt or water in the see-through filter bowls making regular engine checks whilst underway a torch bearing exercise.

As a break from all this stressful stuff (?!) we spent a few days in London, wandering around and enjoying the sights and sounds of the city again. One thing we did not enjoy was the pollution - we were there when the wind was light and the air quality was not nice. Way better air quality than the captain used to endure in Beijing for work of course.

We visited HMS Belfast for the first time and the crew tried out the Admiral's seat for size:

It looked as primitive as the Captain's chair on the Royal Yacht Britannia which we visited in Edinburgh a few years ago. See Edinburgh visit post from 2013. You will notice the white hot pace of development in UK ship construction too. Above you see the old second world war warrior HMS Belfast with her wooden chair. In the link, the Royal Yacht Britannia which was retired in 1997 also has a wooden seat but with a padded cover.

The crew reported that it was nowhere near as comfortable as the Stidd helmseat on the Nordhavn. It probably cost way less too.

Returning to the boat after a few days away was less pleasant - the local seagull population had been very busy. Again.