I have a atomic 4 and wont to switch to a universal diesel, do I have to replace the fuel tanks or can I just flush them? Has anyone done this and what are the pit falls?
Gas to diesel?
- Thread starter BillTucker
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I've done it and did clean the fuel tank to include steam power wash. It was SS so no problem there. Should be the same for FG or Al.
Important is to have a Racor filter and I also added a bulb from an outboard fuel line on the line to help bleed the system.
Important is to have a Racor filter and I also added a bulb from an outboard fuel line on the line to help bleed the system.
It sounds like you're already getting the Universal with the same mounts as the A-4. Depending on what they are, you may need to change the fuel lines as well; some are incompatible with diesel. Cruising World or Woodenboat should have articles on this to research.
It depends my 1970 boat just had its third tank installed 
With a diesel you will need a fuel return line and there are some level senders now made that have this as part of the unit IF they fit they old tank
With a diesel you will need a fuel return line and there are some level senders now made that have this as part of the unit IF they fit they old tank
You may also need a return line from the engine (don't know about your specific engine).
Considering that you will probably need to change all of the fuel lines and a new filter, I would think that a couple hundred for a new tank would be prudent. Chances are you could have a smaller tank than your OEM considering going from Gas to Diesel.
Considering that you will probably need to change all of the fuel lines and a new filter, I would think that a couple hundred for a new tank would be prudent. Chances are you could have a smaller tank than your OEM considering going from Gas to Diesel.
swap
I seem to recall something about galvanized fuels tanks being incompatible with diesel. If the present tank is S.S. aluminum or monel you should be ok. You most likely will need to add a return line and fitting to to the tank, larger exhaust system (bigger muffler, transom exhaust port and hose) and of course a new proper sized propeller.
If the new engine has an electric fuel pump, there's no reason to do the primer bulb thing. I'm also pretty sure that wouldn't pass code in an inboard installation.
I seem to recall something about galvanized fuels tanks being incompatible with diesel. If the present tank is S.S. aluminum or monel you should be ok. You most likely will need to add a return line and fitting to to the tank, larger exhaust system (bigger muffler, transom exhaust port and hose) and of course a new proper sized propeller.
If the new engine has an electric fuel pump, there's no reason to do the primer bulb thing. I'm also pretty sure that wouldn't pass code in an inboard installation.
if you realy want to do this it can be done but you will need to modify the old tank (assumming it is in good condition) for a fuel return line. You will also need to add a primary fuel filter in the system as well as change the fuel liines (just a good idea) You will also need to make sure the old tank is cleaned before changing to diesel. May be a good idea to start out with a new tank. The pit fall is usualy the age of the tank. Make sure you also change the fill cap or some how mark it so that it says diesel or it is the color coded type cap to prevent someone from accidently adding gas ! ( I know it may be overkill but it has happened)
Thanks for all your replies,
My A4 has a cracked block so I have to replace it , so a new diesel seams to be the way to go. I have a diesel VW jette and on really bad day I put gas in it,,,,Not good but the shop pumped it and all was OK... after a 800.00 check... My tankon the boat looks to be plastic Should I replace it? the marina said I would need to replace it, but I wonted to see what others had found..
Thank
Bill
Ps. let met know if your up our way.
My A4 has a cracked block so I have to replace it , so a new diesel seams to be the way to go. I have a diesel VW jette and on really bad day I put gas in it,,,,Not good but the shop pumped it and all was OK... after a 800.00 check... My tankon the boat looks to be plastic Should I replace it? the marina said I would need to replace it, but I wonted to see what others had found..
Thank
Bill
Ps. let met know if your up our way.
The "plastic" tank in itself is not bad but it must be moditified to add a return line. I have not done this but I'm sure it can be done. It is basicaly makeing sure the fitting is not going to leak and is installed securly. Sometimes when caluclating a shop labor rate into a job it can be more cost effective to replace rather then modify. As some one else mentioned you may need to change the prop shaft and prop to match the new engine. As far as changing the shaft it may not be needed unless your shaft is less then one inch in diamerter and is still the correct length. A machine shop can shorten it but if you need longer you will need to buy a new one. All this is going to be determined by you boat and engine configuration. If I remember correctly the A 4 engine and transmission is longer then most newer and smaller diesels. The prop size will be determined by the rpm the new engine and transmission turn the prop shaft and the lenght needed after installing new engine. I'm making the assumption you will be replacing the old A 4's transmission as well. It is a little more then just swapping engines. Good Luck.
Not necessarily. It would be much simpler and far less expensive to replace the block and stick with your little A4. They're wonderful little engines for their durability and simplicity - I currently am in the midst of a complete overhaul of mine, and am doing the whole job myself.
If you switch to diesel, it's not simply a matter of pulling the old engine out and dropping the new one in. You're already finding out about the different requirements for fuel tank and return lines. You also likely will have to revise the engine beds to accommodate the new engine, tear out the old fill port and install a new one labeled "diesel", possibly install new controls, new instrumentation, likely all new wiring, new exhaust system, possibly new through-hulls, etc.
Contact Moyer Marine at http://www.moyermarine.com/ - they can sell you a new (used) block. Then it's just a matter of switching everything over from the old one. Rather than spending $5,000 - 10,000 on a full diesel repower, you probably can spend $2,000 or, if you're lucky and eat all your vegetables, even less and overhaul the A4 and drop it back in there.
Anyhow - do the research on everything a conversion to diesel entails - it's more than just adding a return line to the fuel tank.
A good place to start....
Quite a few other owners of the E-35-2 have made this switch and posted their narratives on the owners' site at Ericsonyachts.org.
If you have not done so, log in there and do some searches and ask questions.
L
Quite a few other owners of the E-35-2 have made this switch and posted their narratives on the owners' site at Ericsonyachts.org.
If you have not done so, log in there and do some searches and ask questions.
L
Re: A good place to start....
If you want to make the switch, check out the Beta-Marine. They are priced well and have a model that is a replacement (motor mounts, etc.) for the Atomic 4. Stanley at Beta in N.C. is wonderful to work with.
If you want to make the switch, check out the Beta-Marine. They are priced well and have a model that is a replacement (motor mounts, etc.) for the Atomic 4. Stanley at Beta in N.C. is wonderful to work with.
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