Platonic Ideal A-4

[marthur]

OK guys, I have an early model A-4 sitting in my garage. It is my spare motor. I have decent collection of early and late model parts sitting in my boating cabinet. I am overcome with the desire to install the best of my parts and do the most important modifications / enhancements. Taking the best from my inventory and adding any modification that seems desireable and can be done for moderate cost.

To keep cost down, a couple of things are already decided:
Late model carb (I own it already and it is aluminum).
Late model starter (again, I own one and matching flywheel).
Early model transmission housing (tombstone cover looks cool).
Raw water cooling (Great Lakes boat means freshwater cooling using raw water).
Mechanical fuel pump (simplicity and reliability and I own one--I am a mechanical pump man through and through).

Thinking I like:
Early model waterjacket cover (more even water inlet).
Early model valve cover.
Mechanical points (partly simplicity and partly cost reduction. I have EI on the boat but want to save the money on the spare).

Willing to argue about:
Late model head. I like the built in thermostat.
Navy Gray paint (light color to ease maintenance)?
Early vs late model distributor (I have both)?

What are your ideas?
What would be the perfect A-4? What essential upgrades can I do for modest cost while it is sitting in the shop?

[BunnyPlanet169]

My two cents:

MMI water pump, with the extendo lower bolt.

MMI oil drain tube

Anything other than the rust colored 'bronze' paint (I prefer a traditional green)

The thermostat housing may or may not be cool (pun intended), but the aftermarket single acting thermostat that fits inside and the bypass loop is crude. Absent a better solution, leave it out and run cold, many do.

Large internal ports on all plumbing fittings - use cast, not the machined 90 degree versions - and not street - full sweep female to female are the largest inside.

[BunnyPlanet169]

Also - Neil did a version of this - here's his list:

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showpost.php?p=86278&postcount=12

[BadaBing]

What is a Kaminski modification. I have already set up to do the Thatch

[edwardc]

The Kaminsky modification bores a largish hole in the side of the casing housing the reversing gear to allow easy access to the adjusting nut for the reverse band. The hole is tapped and sealed with a pipe-thread plug. Moyer does this standard on all their rebuilds.

[BadaBing]

Such a wealth of information and cool dodads are avalible here.
I have been sailing my boat for 9 years. Well over a thousand miles each year. Although few of those mile have been in reverse.. Have never thought I needed to adjust my reversing band. Im I correct that this is one of those, it works or it dont, items?

[BunnyPlanet169]

Have never thought I needed to adjust my reversing band. Im I correct that this is one of those, it works or it dont, items?

I think this is pretty accurate - you don't usually use reverse enough to notice any slipping, and because there is no reverse detent, it usually slips a bit anyway. Any gradual wear will go largely unnoticed until you say, "Hmph, this reverse isn't what it used to be." and think about needing to tighten the band.

From the MMI panorama:

[Al Schober]

The Kaminsky mod is not for adjusting reverse - that can be done easily by removing the cover. The K mod is for when you adjust it too tight and shear off the roller at the end of the reverse actuating rod. The plug allows you to remove the rod without removing the whole transmission casing.

[marthur]

Also - Neil did a version of this - here's his list:

Very good ideas. I will add many of them to my list.

The thermostat housing may or may not be cool (pun intended), but the aftermarket single acting thermostat that fits inside and the bypass loop is crude. Absent a better solution, leave it out and run cold, many do.

I actually have three double action thermostats in my kit. One is in service on the boat, one is a used spare and one is new spare. I might even have a fourth floating around that is serviceable (long story). I should be good for many years. But when those go, I will still probably go with a thermostat. I feel the advantages of running an engine at temp outweigh the advantages of running cold. However, practical experience shows that both can be done successfully.

[marthur]

Here is a question for you all: is there any advantage to going with a late model Delco distributor over the early model Prestolite? Other than the simplicity of having the same on both of my engines? I have both and can easily install either.

[Administrator]

This may be interesting reading, though not specific to any particular post in this thread.

Bill

[67c&ccorv]

An early model water jacket side plate machined from s/s or 7075 ally is high on list of things to do.

[hanleyclifford]

This may be interesting reading, though not specific to any particular post in this thread.

Bill

That is excellent, Bill; Thanks - straight from the horses mouth, as it were. I do believe the late model head does not represent an engineering advance for the Atomic 4.

[hanleyclifford]

Here is a question for you all: is there any advantage to going with a late model Delco distributor over the early model Prestolite? Other than the simplicity of having the same on both of my engines? I have both and can easily install either.

The early distributor takes up less room and gives the alternator and belt a bit more breathing room, but is a little trickier on point adjustment. Perhaps the early distributor with EI?

[hanleyclifford]

An early model water jacket side plate machined from s/s or 7075 ally is high on list of things to do.

It was the early side plate that inspired me to take the multi point distribution to it's logical conclusion: