Need Maintenance Info/Help on Atomic 4

[L-Seelig]

I have a Catalina 27 with an Atomic 4 inboard.I've been having problems with engine over heating. I can motor (only when I have to) at about 3/4 throttle and keep the temp at a safe level. Is this a condition that comes with age or is there a solution short of pulling the engine? I'm new to sailing; we've had the boat for 3yrs in April. I am somewhat experienced with older automotive engine maintenance (old carbureted engines,) points, plugs, oil change, and I have flush automotive coolant systems. Is there a similar method that can be used for the problem I am currently having? I have changed the thermostat and impeller, (no evidence of lost pieces in the motor.) Any ideas will be appreciated. Also if someone out there could provide me with the proper gap settings for the points and plugs that would also be appreciated. I've been guesstimating to this point.Regards,Lysle

 

[Ian]

Atomic 4 - Fear Not My Freind

A-4's rock. I've got a 23 year old A-4 in my C-30 and it still purrs like a kitten. Anyway, Go to www.moyermarine.com. This guy is the A-4 guru. The site has a FAQ section with questions relating to your very same problem. Have you inspected and flushed your cooling system. I've noticed that scaling may occur on the interior of the passages and it can make the system perform a lot less efficiently. Check out the web site though.Good luck!

 

[Richard]

flush the cooling system or new impellor

The easy solution is a worn impellor on you water pump or the worn bronze piece that causes the impellor to bend (creating suction). Not sure if this is the real problem.Likely just using a garden hose on the engine cooling system with the access pannels open would flush enough crud out to solve your problem. Talk to Mr. Moyer about the acid flush as well.You might want to join the atomic 4 email list on www.sailnet.net or is it .com? It is a great list of diehard atomic 4 owners.I am on my second boat with an atomic 4.

 

[Rob Rich]

Acid or Vinegar Flush

First, I would order a new impellar. Once it comes in, I would do a vinegar flush on your system. If that did not work, I would try an acid flush. I think oxalic acid is the stuff to use, but do your research. In any event, it should blow out any scale that you have. Be sure to use adequate recovery techniques.Then I would install the new impellar and see what happens. If that does not start cooling the engine, you might need to tear her down. By the way, how much water is coming out the exhaust pipe? I get a healthy stream of fresh water out of the tailpipe out of my C-27. Are you seeing this, or just a trickle?Rob

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

A4 Flush

For details on how to do an oxalic acid flush of your A4 have a look at:http://www.classicsailboat.com/flushing_a_4.htmIt will tell you what you need and how to do it.