today when I tried to start my Atomic 4 engine all I heard was a high pitched whine. The starter was turning but not engaging the engine. This Atomic 4 usually starts instantly and runs VERY well. I suspect it will need an overhaul and want to remove it from boat however I have never done this before. Can anyone who has some expertise give me some directions? Also, I'd love to get my hands on some documentation on this 1961 engine. I had a manual some years ago but sadly, it was stolen. I'd be glad to pay some reasonable price for a copy of one. My boat is a Polaris Seafarer -Hull #16. Tom
Atomic 4, Starter Motor (1961 Model) Polaris Seafa
- Thread starter Tom23356
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Yup, Bendix is jammed
Probably just rust or the coil is shot. Its an easy removal to see what going on. Once you get the starter out ... copy the frame number and go to a NAPA store for a cheap replacment of the bendix. Don Moyer/Moyer Marine (below URL) also sells them in a 'marinized' version (for safety). Don is THE guru on Atomic-4s. For maintenance and rebuild, etc. NOTHING beats Don Moyers "Maintenance & Rebuild Manual for Atomic-4" .... and it seems as if you could have used it recently. Its 'pricey' but the first repair will save you the cost of the book. www.moyermarine.com
Probably just rust or the coil is shot. Its an easy removal to see what going on. Once you get the starter out ... copy the frame number and go to a NAPA store for a cheap replacment of the bendix. Don Moyer/Moyer Marine (below URL) also sells them in a 'marinized' version (for safety). Don is THE guru on Atomic-4s. For maintenance and rebuild, etc. NOTHING beats Don Moyers "Maintenance & Rebuild Manual for Atomic-4" .... and it seems as if you could have used it recently. Its 'pricey' but the first repair will save you the cost of the book. www.moyermarine.com
BUT,,,,
a better choice is to replace, not repair. (with a diesel) These A4s are not classics, just old and usually unreliable. Did I mention that gas engines are dangerous? Oh, IMHO. (Been there too) P.S. Tom, when you score on that documentation, look at the crankshaft support system. There isn't any. Just two small bearings at either end. Compare that to Yanmars' system. Yep, my nearly new A4 crank broke. Lose it.
a better choice is to replace, not repair. (with a diesel) These A4s are not classics, just old and usually unreliable. Did I mention that gas engines are dangerous? Oh, IMHO. (Been there too) P.S. Tom, when you score on that documentation, look at the crankshaft support system. There isn't any. Just two small bearings at either end. Compare that to Yanmars' system. Yep, my nearly new A4 crank broke. Lose it.
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