Thats a good answer and of course would possibly do the job. But as I said leads that is the answer sought. Looking at the age of your building I would consider that what we seek has been there a considerable time. And although possibly in daily use for years would do the job of taking leads admirab...

Medals in the post JK even as we speak

Scrapped bearings JK? I am sure BP will at times feel that way but what we are seeking here is how to scrape white metal bearings not scrap them. The absence of the leads is the Prima Dona factor here and this is the answer we seek. There is a way whereby these leads can be taken prior to scraping n...

JK,
I know you have scraped bearings on a steamwinch so you have a distinct advantage here (without disclosing your age mind)
???

Blimey BP sounds like you have really walked into somewhat of a situation there to say the least. And no tools to boot, couldn't be much worse for without tools for me is like trying to tackle the job with no arms. Furthermore I bet all that steam stuff is BSW and BSF together with the old flogging ...

Well I always thought that higher houred Marine Engineers gave themselves away with their glaze busted effect foreheads so I can only conclude that BP has always had a top team beneath him in all his sea going travels. This is indeed a one of in my experiences in life. Hope the NZ trip didn't change...

Interesting film, I had my old bearing scraper /leads/engineers blue out from the bottom of my box in preparation together with the flogging spanner and 14 pound sledge but alas to no avail as the film went back even beyond my startout in the trade. Resurrection thus aborted. BP, Nice to see you hav...

Crack Arrester Hole drilling. When it lets go the internal gear may well be driven into the casing causing a hairline crack, a bulge or worst still a hole. Should it be a crack by drilling a crack arrester hole the damage could well be limited. My point was that an imperial drill always did a better...

P.S.
Answer in imperial please as I was always taught that was the better type of Crack Arrester Hole drilling one could drill.
( Not Micky Mouse holes)
I.e.,
Metric foreign holes.
( M.M.)

Just looking in my drill box and wondering what size crack arrester hole to drill when the cover starts swelling?
Any body?

How big is the Casting lump? Is it big enough to sixteenth drill it for a necklace jobby? Will it take small letter punches stating S.O.S? Shit on Seat. Souvenir jobby. Is it a coarse grain casting like a cover casting? Or is it closegrain like a piston ring? There is more to do here whilst waiting ...

Well all that's left to say is I wish you all the very best with the Holding of the breath syndrome and keep going alongside V the dropping of the hook.
Won't swop your imminent job of those chain blocks use age to get the hook up though.
Handraulic.

Cast Ally eh?
Casing?
Any inspection hatches over gearing etc?
Any peep holes for a gander inside?
Maybe something ( chip off gear ) took a lump outa casing?
Could be further probs. lurking?
Maybe something got trapped between gears/casings and took a lump out.

Got any magnetic drain plugs in the system anywhere?
Or is the foreign body non magnetic?
Brass phosphor bronze etc?
Or was it introduced into the system when it was stripped?
No seat damage then?

Brill, the valve did'nt help you out perchance by playing you a tune then?