Overheated A-4

[Jim Stocks]

Hi, I have a 1980 C30 with an Atomic 4 fresh water cooled engine. I'm having soime overheating problems and was wondering if I need to replace the thermostat or need to flush the raw-water side of the cooling system? When I run the engine, I still get water coming from the exhaust. When the engine over heats the engine shuts down and will not star until the next day. I think that's due to the coil being attached to the engine block and it shut's down when the engine gets hot. My sailing area is the Chesapeake Bay. 1. Do I flush the raw-water cooling and if so how? Or?2. Replace the thermostat and what part number should I use? Thanks  Jim Stocks

 

[Mark Wey]

Atomic 4 Overheating

JimI had a 1976 C-30 with the Atomic 4. Your post does not say if it will not start until the next day because it won't turn over or just won't offer anything. I will assume that it will turn over but just not fire. I had the same thing for two years before I solved it. I would be able to motor for 3 to 4 hours no problem. Then the engine would sputter and quit. Just refuse to start. What I found out was that the coil is oil cooled. If it is in any way oily on the out side the seal has been broken and there is insufficient cooling. If the coil is getting on in years, as yours is. The oil will begin to break down and be unable to properly cool. That is why it will run for a while and then shut down. Any way a long story short. I changed the coil and it was like a new engine. Try it. It is an easy inexpensive fix. Even if I am wrong, a spare coil should be carried on board anyway. Hope this helps. Mark Wey

 

[Paul]

A4 Overheat

Jim,Go to the website www.moyermarine.com. Don Moyer is an A4 expert. He and his website have helped me solve many problems as well as maintain the engine and obtain hard to find parts. He will get you running in no time.Good Luck,Paul

 

[John Zekas]

A-4 list

There is also an Atomic 4 list hosted at www.sailnet.net. It can be very helpful. Don Moyer will explain the flushing process. Any boat yard should be able to get you the thermostat. Westerbeke supplies them. You will need a new thermostat housing if you have the early style. You can test your thermostat in a pot on the stove with a thermometer. Raw water cooled in salt water should be about 140 F.Good Luck.john