Water in Atomic 4

[Jim Stocks]

When checking out my C-30 last week I found that I had ingested water in the Atomic4 engine from cranking it last November. I've changed the oil and pulled the spark plugs and found water in the cylinder head. The engine will turn over but not start. Is there a way to get the water cleared out and get the engine started or will this mean that the engine will have to be pulled for a rebuild? Thanks Jim Stocks 1980 C-30

 

[lance]

water

If I understand you, it sounds like you sucked up some water thru the carb and it got into the upper end of the engine. Not a good thing.Has the water been sitting in there since Nov.?Was it fresh water or seawater?When you turn the engine over does it sound as if it is turning over fast enough?Any kind of water in the upper end does several things.One is that the valves will stick open and you'll have no compression, engine turns over very fast and won't fire.Second the sleeves will rust and the rings will be ruined, no compression but the engine turns over slowly caused by the extra friction.Pull the plugs and turn over the engine. Stick your finger in the plug hole and see if there is any compression. It's a good place to start.lance

 

[Jim Stocks]

Engine water

I have compression in the engine and water sprays out when the engine turns over. I saw on an A4 web site that by closing off the water intake, venting the gas lines, changing the oil and clearing the heads of water, the engine should start. I'll also try cleaning the plugs.  I'll see what happens this weekend.

 

[lance]

water 2

Jimthe water must be coming from somewhere.You may have a leak in your head, head gasket,or exhaust that is allowing it in the engine.Try removing the plugs and turn it over, but if the water comes back you may have to tear it down to see whats going on.lance