Handcranking an Atomic 4

[Jim Huhta, Sr.]

Does anyone out there in Cat. 27-Land have or has ever used a handcrank as a backup to a failed starting system?Is this product made? Did it ever come with the boat?Currently, my 2-battery-boat-system is backed up with a Century 900 portable power system unit. I have never used it yet, and I am talking about a triple-redundant option when inquiring about a handcrank.Thanx, Jim 1979 Cat. 27 "Three Amigos"

 

[John Visser]

hopeless

Unless you have a magneto ignition, or a really simple alternator/battery setup, I doubt you could get it to fire w/ a dead battery, since you need a spark.Its also hopeless, in my opinion, with a cold indirect-injection motor like my M25.jv

 

[Phil]

The crank works well, but it broke my wrist

I bought a crank, and it worked fine for me for almost a year. If your batteries are weak, all it takes is a little spin and it usually starts right up without too much effort.However, be careful! I used it at the end of a cruise last July, and the crank did not disengage after the engine started. The handle whipped around and hit me on the back of the wrist, messily breaking the radius and ulna of my right arm. I had surgery in August, and I am still doing physical therapy today. Lesson learned: Be sure to grease the connection between the crank and the engine, like the directions say to do. I did not, and a small amount of corrosion closed up the I.D. of the socket, so the crank did not disengage from the engine. Test the system by turning the crank in reverse to make sure it will release.Other than that, the crank is a fine tool to have.

 

[John Visser]

Wow!

I'm impressed! My grandfather used to occasionally hand-crank his Model A, and used to get the big steam engines at Fordham Hospital in the Bronx going by hand - but always warned me of how dangerous it could be. But I thought it would be near impossible to crank one by hand.Idea: how about a motorcycle-style kick starter device?jv

 

[Rob R.]

Will Work...

Hi Jim, Hope all is well with you up there. Yes, as I understand, the hand crank will work. As long as you have just a bit of voltage left, you should get spark out of the coil, and be off and running.Getting maimed with the handle is a certainty, though, if you are not extremely careful.Let me know if you find a good source for the handle, I could use one for my Atomic as well. I replaced the points and condensor last month, and the engine is just purring along...Rob

 

[Jim Huhta, Sr.]

Thanx to all!

Thanx all, and Rob, I'll let you know if and when I find a crank sourcs.

 

[Phil]

Moyer Marine has cranks

Moyer Marine carries hand cranks and accessories for the A-4. See the link below, and search on "crank" in their catalog. Don't forget to read the directions!

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

Knuckles

The Moyer crank and the Cat 27 engine hatch come close enough to be a real knuckle duster. Crank with care and don't forget to grease the socket and the disconnect ramps.