Update ... bad news
A twist to the story ... prepared to run a separate gas tank line, ran the engine, died as before, but I noticed something funny about the sound of the engine. Checked the oil ... no oil at all. As I had just changed and refilled the oil this spring (and it rarely uses much through a whole season) I figured this was not good. Added oil, still had the problem, but I noticed oil in the exhaust.
Talked to a mechanic I found that works on Atomic 4's and he said he's "90% sure" that its the rings, meaning we'll have to pull the engine at a nearby marina (and I'll have to find a tow over there) and have it rebuilt.
Beyond the cost, there goes much of my sailing season ... argh.
thanks again for the advice and help. I feel pretty stupid for not spotting this sooner, but, live and learn.
best,
rob
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Hubris
Catalina 30 on Lake St. Clair, Michigan
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