Hi Thatch,
Much like Ryan (below), I found you and Neil on here while researching issues on my recently acquired 1974 Catalina 27 with an A4 at Cabrillo Way Marina in San Pedro. The engine stalls out (sometimes immediately, sometimes after running for a bit) and I don't have piece of mind. I'd really appreciate someone with your expertise to help me revamp this engine and get back some piece of mind while out on the water please.
I'm new to this forum, I contacted Don and he suggested I come here for help.
I have a 1978 Catalina 30 with the original A4 engine, based in Marina Del Rey. The engine is not putting out any water with the exhaust and heats up very quickly when started, something's up with the cooling system. My local boatyard took one look and said the engine is too old to be repaired -- they want to yank the A4 out and install a new diesel. Yeah right!
Don sent me the fault tree for the cooling system and I can see there are a few potential culprits. I just don't feel competent enough to start taking apart the engine on my own, so am looking for someone local with more experience to help. I found you in the forum and it looks like you're in southern California, any chance you'd be willing to help? Or perhaps you know of a local mechanic that's familiar with the A4 engine?
Thanks in advance for whatever help you can provide!
Neil suggested I look at your profile for inspiration. His page has some great pix of two of his boats and I assumed thats what he meant about your profile. I'll go look at the c30 forum maybe thats what he meant. Dave