I am looking at a Catalina 27 with Atomic. How good is the engine access? To me it appears not very accessable.
Catalina 27 engine access
- Thread starter Jdaniel343
- Start date
Your assesment is accurate. You will learn to do a lot of maintenance on that motor in that boat by the "Braille" method. Reaching blindly into the work area feeling around with your hands to figure out what is going on...
I also always have to make the logical assumption that if access to things like the transmission & engine are difficult, the less likely they are to receive regular maintenance. Most Atomic 4 out there are now well over 30 years old, & if they haven't had a complete rebuild by now, are likely due for one. But the parts are all readily available. Moyer Marine (look online) is an excellent source for information, as they specialize in A 4 engines.
I just purchased a 27 (1986) and the previous owner cut a large opening between the port cocpit locker where the batteries are and the engine compartment and then made a wood cover that goes between them and it affords mutch better access to the engine, might think of something like that, mine has a Universal 18 (made by Kubota) in it and although it still is a bit cramped, access to the transmission, packing, etc., is mutch easier.
Bob
Bob
Something similar was done on our 1982 27. They also cut a larger access on the starboard side. It's pretty easy to remove the panels, Sure makes working on the engine (5411 diesel) a lot easier.
Not the greatest pictures, but the best I have right now. Hope the pictures come through, they show the large opening the previous owner made, I like it.
Attachments
Interesting. Did you add support for the larger opening. Also noticed the vented loop is mounted inside the port locker which I've never seen.
Nifty.
Josh
Nifty.
Josh
I had not thought about that, so I looked in the manual, there is a drawing on page 50 of the Catalina 27 manual that shows the tube going out through the side and the valve mounted where you see mine. I haven't had the chance to see any other than mine, just got it in November.
I am use to the engine just pulled ours out to do a valve job and some other quick winter projects , I have been in some other boats that were tight, after doing some of the service as said you do it by feel,
My Columbia 36 had the original Albin AD2 diesel that was so tall it came to 1/2" from the bottom of the cockpit sole. There were two 3" inspection ports for adding oil and coolant, and absolutely no way to reach anything else on the upper part of the engine. When one of the 30 year old coolant houses failed, I ended up having to cut a hatch onto the cabin sole to get to it. Now I have really good access to everything.