My A4 is toasted...

[Marion Perez]

Yo!I have a 1977 Oday 27. It sail very well, but I have problems maintaining the engine in good condition. It has an Atomic 4 engine in it with raw water cooling. It has never run very well, but now it gets very hot when I put it away for the season. Today, it would not run at all. It turns over put it does not light.Any thoughts? I really could not afford to buy a new engine or a diesel, even though I would really like a Yanmar.MarinoBummin in Brookline

 

[Justin - O'day Owner's Web]

a4 thoughts

Marion (or Marino, you give us each spelling once),With a little patience and some instructions, there is probably no reason why you could not get your A4 running happily again.The overheating is probably from deposits from the salt water entering the engine's cooling channels and now blocking cooling flow. You need to flush with lots of fresh water, then consider converting to a fresh water cooling system.The not starting might be timing, or plugs, or wires, or any of a host of others but is not likely to be terminal.Check out: http://www.min.net/~gdinwiddie/A30/A4.shtml for links to lots of atomic 4 informationJustin - O'day Owner's Web

 

[Marino Perez]

Thanks. (and its Marino)

Justin,Thank you for you fast response. Some of the information on those links will be very helpful. I did not know that there were so many parts still that you could get. Also, you can get new engines for a few thousand dollars.Have you used the CDI propeller designed for the Atomic Four? If I am going to do this project and I think I am since an new outboard and bracket (let alone diesel) would cost as much as rebuild I might as well replace the whole system.Have you rebuilt your Atomic Four? Was it very hard to do?Marino

 

[Justin - O'day Owner's Web]

Rebuilds

Marino -I'm glad that you're less despondent about the future of your A4! The web can solve just about any problem you throw at it these days. I don't actually have an A4 on my boat. It is equipped with an outboard. I have tinkered with the the things on other people's boats, however. I have also rebuild several other types of engines (VW, Norton motorcycle, Honda four stroke). If you follow the directions, its not too hard. The key is to make sure that you have the exact tool you need and that the tools you have are of good quality. The money you invest in tools will be repaid in reduced frustration. At all costs, do not fake your wrenches and sockets or you risk stripping parts and having to drill bolts and studs out.Good luck! Keep us updated as the project comes along.Justin - O'day Owner's Web

 

[Bo Walker]

I hate my Atomic Four!

I have come to loath the Atomic Four in my O'day. I have struggled with it long enough. Has anyone done the conversion to diesel? Could you tell me what your experience was, and what you did? I'd appreicate your efforts greatly.Bo Walker

 

[Justin -O'day Owner's Web]

Bo - a rebuilt A4 would be less expensive

Bo,I have been aboard more than once when the owner of a vessel decided the A4 had to go. In most cases it was still there the next time I went aboard, but at least one friend replaced it with a little Yanmar. Its a pretty involved process since you will need new engine, tankage, mounts, shaft, prop, possibly controls, and assort ancilliary stuff, including a new round of spares.Have you considered simply swapping the old A4 for a newly rebuilt one? You could purchase an as new unit for around $3500 US. It depends on what the condition of your current engine is, but I would bet that your problems stem from the age of the engine, not from its inherent weaknesses. If it hasn't been rebuilt, its pretty aged.I was aboard a Pierson with a newly rebuilt A4 last season and it ran as sweetly as any diesel I have experience with.Just a thought -Justin - O'day Owner's Web