Atomic 4 mechanic

[Scruzing]

Hello I'm looking for someone to come look at my engine I just got a 77 O'Day and was told the head gasket needs to be replaced does anyone know anybody that can refer me to that would be great.
Thank you so much

[Al Schober]

Might help if we knew your location...

[joe_db]

I know of a shop that might deal with it, but the travel fee could well exceed the value of your boat. Where are you?

[capnward]

Welcome!

Regardless of where you are located, and who you hire to work on your engine, you will be happier in the long run if you commit yourself now to becoming your own Atomic 4 mechanic. This forum is a good start. The next step is to buy a Moyer manual. Whoever told you the head gasket needed replacement should have told you how they knew that. Is the compression bad? I have never replaced a head gasket, but there are those on this forum who can do it in a few hours, with the engine in the boat. Often these guys know more than any local mechanic you can find. But it is a rather intimidating procedure for the beginner. Sometimes there are complications like bolts breaking off in the block, requiring special tools which Moyer sells. So study the manual, ask questions on the forum, and take it one step at a time. You may be surprised what you can do yourself.

[joe_db]

IP indicates Long Beach, CA.

[Ando]

Hello I'm looking for someone to come look at my engine I just got a 77 O'Day and was told the head gasket needs to be replaced does anyone know anybody that can refer me to that would be great.
Thank you so much

I assume you just purchased the O’Day and the PO informed you that the engine needs a head gasket. Maybe call the PO and ask where he got that info and get a history of the engine. Does it run?

[ndutton]

Scruzing, if you are located in Southern California would you be interested in another on site opinion before taking things apart? There are a couple of important tests that cannot be done after disassembly.

[Al Schober]

No further word from Scruzing? Perhaps he's waiting for someone to come knock on his door?