diff --git a/examples/adjoint.py b/examples/adjoint.py
index 4b7ddce..81390d6 100644
--- a/examples/adjoint.py
+++ b/examples/adjoint.py
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@
 
 x = ufl.SpatialCoordinate(mesh)
 expr = ufl.as_vector([ufl.sin(2 * ufl.pi * x[0]), ufl.cos(2 * ufl.pi * x[1])])
-u = fd.interpolate(expr, V)
+u = fd.Function(V)
+u.interpolate(expr)
 
 u_dot = fd.Function(V)
 v = fd.TestFunction(V)
diff --git a/firedrake_ts/ts_solver.py b/firedrake_ts/ts_solver.py
index 99e34a1..c5d9d45 100644
--- a/firedrake_ts/ts_solver.py
+++ b/firedrake_ts/ts_solver.py
@@ -228,6 +228,7 @@ def update_diffusivity(current_solution, current_time_derivative):
             # Mixed problem, use jacobi pc if user has not supplied
             # one.
             self.set_default_parameter("pc_type", "jacobi")
+        self.set_default_parameter("ts_max_snes_failures", -1)
 
         self.ts = PETSc.TS().create(comm=problem.dm.comm)
         self.snes = self.ts.getSNES()