WATER AFFAIRS
From page 23 top layers of the dam ' s bottom , creating an effective seal . Although it is usual to treat the entire surface of a leaking dam , if you know more or less the actual spot at which your dam is leaking it is possible to treat this exclusively , simply by applying the granules directly above where you know the leak to be . Naturally this ( and all dam sealing activities , for that matter ) should be done on a calm , wind-free day to ensure that the granules expand and sink in the right spot , and aren ' t blown away . Most leaking dams and ponds can be treated with Aqua Plastech . Exceptions are dams
Small granules of compound are spread upon the water
In addition to sealing the dam , Aqua Plastech clarifies the water by agglomerating fine suspended solids in the water and using them to bind the base of the dam
with very steep sides ( the material can ' t attach itself effectively to a vertical side but will rather sink to a flatter bottom ), or lined dams where
MACHINERY
From page 23 applies to a recalcitrant pullstart lawnmower insofar as spark plug , air filter and fuel mixture are concerned . But with a mower you can additionally turn it into an “ electric start ” machine , thereby entirely doing away with the need to yank on its starter cord . Simply remove the starter mechanism at the top of the
the lining has been severely punctured , for example by a cow or a horse , and it will need very heavy dosing with Aqua Plastech to seal a dam
engine . This is usually secured as a separate mechanism with a set of small bolts and , once removed , should reveal a substantial nut securing a flywheel on the top of the main ( vertical ) drive shaft . From your socket spanners choose a socket to fit the nut and , using an extension shaft , attach this to your electric drill . Open the throttle fully , put the socket over the nut and , holding the drill firmly ~ yes , firmly , because it will want to spin around against the resistance of the engine ~ start the drill . The engine will spin . And spin . And , all else having been checked and cleaned , it WILL fire . Quickly lift the drill off the nut . You will soon become adept at
which is dug in very sandy soil . Those exceptions apart , users have reported improvements
Continued on page 25
doing this without unnecessarily running the drill in place and wearing down the nut . This method of starting a lawnmower engine does not comply with Health & Safety regulations and can result in the socket coming loose and flying off the drill . As a result it is best not performed in front of an audience .
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