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Bob Sawyer
The A4 is a simple 4 cylinder engine. I asked the guy who repairs my car to take a look at it. Had it remover ($75) and transported it to his garage for refurbrishing ($1000). Added a new exhaust system (Home Depot pipes $30, fiberglass wrap $40), new fuel line with racore filter $60, and reinstallation $75. I believe that I got a good, reliabe, engine at a reasonable cost. Good sailing! Bob
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L-Seelig
Bob, what type boat do you have?
Mine is a C27 and I have wondered how/if the engine will come out without tearing up the bulkheads. Is yours a C27? Regards, Lysle
Mine is a C27 and I have wondered how/if the engine will come out without tearing up the bulkheads. Is yours a C27? Regards, Lysle
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Michael Hagerman
Fixing the Atomic 4
I also have a 1977 Cat 30 with an Atomic 4. I had misgivings as the "experts" all warn about blowing up the boat, etc., but am much happier with it than a diesel. It's basically a marine version of a Jeep engine (Uncle Sam taught some basics there). A non-mechanic lawyer type (me) can even rebuild the carburetor with a rebuild kit. Otherwise any good mechanic should be able to help you though he/she will need to ensure that Atomic 4 parts are used (except spark plugs, etc.) You should also look at the head gasketS (there are 2), remachining the head, plugs, and thermostat for starter. For solace and advice, try the King of the Atomic 4, Don Moyer, at www.moyermarine.com. It's also a good source of parts.
I also have a 1977 Cat 30 with an Atomic 4. I had misgivings as the "experts" all warn about blowing up the boat, etc., but am much happier with it than a diesel. It's basically a marine version of a Jeep engine (Uncle Sam taught some basics there). A non-mechanic lawyer type (me) can even rebuild the carburetor with a rebuild kit. Otherwise any good mechanic should be able to help you though he/she will need to ensure that Atomic 4 parts are used (except spark plugs, etc.) You should also look at the head gasketS (there are 2), remachining the head, plugs, and thermostat for starter. For solace and advice, try the King of the Atomic 4, Don Moyer, at www.moyermarine.com. It's also a good source of parts.
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Bob Sawyer
Engine Repair II
Mike, I have a 1974 C27. Read my story in the thread about test sailing before buying. The boatyard along with the mechanic should be able to remove the engine by removing the doors & frame. I'd recommend replacing the exaust & fuel system while the engine is out so you won't have to cut the bulkhead (I had to cut). You can do that yourself. The Racore filter in the fuel line will prevent white power buildup causing engine stalls.Let the mechanic rebuild/replace all he can - carb, waterpump, generator,points, plugs, etc. Most times a complete overhaul will not be necessary. I am very happy with my A4 engine.
Mike, I have a 1974 C27. Read my story in the thread about test sailing before buying. The boatyard along with the mechanic should be able to remove the engine by removing the doors & frame. I'd recommend replacing the exaust & fuel system while the engine is out so you won't have to cut the bulkhead (I had to cut). You can do that yourself. The Racore filter in the fuel line will prevent white power buildup causing engine stalls.Let the mechanic rebuild/replace all he can - carb, waterpump, generator,points, plugs, etc. Most times a complete overhaul will not be necessary. I am very happy with my A4 engine.
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Rob Rich
Check this link
Sailnet has a fantastic e-mail list for A-4 owners. You'll get more info on the A-4 than you could wish for. There are several mods for this engine that a lot of people swear by, and they are also relatively cheap. The electric fuel pump is one, ($80), and a simple electronic ignition is the other ($140?). Just keeping the fuel clean and the oil fresh will go a long, long way. Also, although I am not a big fan of additives, the head Guru (Don Moyer) says advises the use of Marvel Mystery Oil, which has been on th market forever. Use it with the engine oil, and a little bit in the gas tank too. It's a great engine - good luck and enjoy!
Sailnet has a fantastic e-mail list for A-4 owners. You'll get more info on the A-4 than you could wish for. There are several mods for this engine that a lot of people swear by, and they are also relatively cheap. The electric fuel pump is one, ($80), and a simple electronic ignition is the other ($140?). Just keeping the fuel clean and the oil fresh will go a long, long way. Also, although I am not a big fan of additives, the head Guru (Don Moyer) says advises the use of Marvel Mystery Oil, which has been on th market forever. Use it with the engine oil, and a little bit in the gas tank too. It's a great engine - good luck and enjoy!
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Melody Miller
Love / Hate Relationship
Hi Mike: Even I have developed a weird sort of affection for the Atomic 4. I change my own spark plugs, oil, water impeller, almost performed a tune-up by myself. (get the electronic ignition upgrade) The only trouble I've ever had is that the carbuerator had a built up of sediment. Larry, the ace mechanic at Cadle Creek, had to yank it. I love the engine because it's fascinating piece of machinery that I can actually observe in total (as opposed to my car engine that has wires and hoses going everywhere) and I hate it because access to it causes me to make my body into shapes that my body was never meant acheive. In the end, the "Atomic bomb" rules. Thanks Melody
Hi Mike: Even I have developed a weird sort of affection for the Atomic 4. I change my own spark plugs, oil, water impeller, almost performed a tune-up by myself. (get the electronic ignition upgrade) The only trouble I've ever had is that the carbuerator had a built up of sediment. Larry, the ace mechanic at Cadle Creek, had to yank it. I love the engine because it's fascinating piece of machinery that I can actually observe in total (as opposed to my car engine that has wires and hoses going everywhere) and I hate it because access to it causes me to make my body into shapes that my body was never meant acheive. In the end, the "Atomic bomb" rules. Thanks Melody
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Mike
Atomic blues
Thanks everyone for your insights. I especially aprreciate the heads up on the tips about replacing the exhaust and not having to start cutting away part of my bulkheads. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Thanks everyone for your insights. I especially aprreciate the heads up on the tips about replacing the exhaust and not having to start cutting away part of my bulkheads. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
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