How old is your Atomic 4 engine? Poll by decade.

[CalebD]

I just looked up some info on the 'pedigree' of the Universal Atomic 4 engine and found out that the A4 was produced from 1947 - 1984. Here is a link about the A4's history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Atomic_4
My engine is pretty old but I am curious how many older A4 engines are even older. I also wonder about the distribution of newer A4s.
It may take some time for a meaningful amount of data to build up but I've got some time - I hope!

[Marian Claire]

Two 1965's # 77345 and # 77414. Dan S/V Marian Claire

[ndutton]

My research shows that Universal ceased production of the A-4 in 1980 but continued to ship engines until 1984.

[Dave Neptune]

4 decades

My lil' beastie is going on it's 42nd year and it's original except for a new #4 exhaust valve installed 26+ years ago. I've had 2 exhaust manifolds and replaced the head gasket when I did the valves (valve job) and got the siezed A-4 I'd just purchased cheap because it needed an "engine". I also installed a new oberdorfer water pump about 7 or 8 years ago. Other than that just standard good maintenance practices.
It's never left me stranded yet!!!

Dave Neptune

[chiron]

I don't know for sure but since the boat was built in 1964 and its an early model I'm sticking with that, although there have been obvious upgrades like electric ignition, fresh water cooling, oil filter, and carb.

[CalebD]

It's an atomic 4

My research shows that Universal ceased production of the A-4 in 1980 but continued to ship engines until 1984.

I'm sure you are correct about that Neil. They had parts enough to keep going for nearly 4 years until 1984 when they introduced the Atomic diesel (likely a 5434, 3 cylinder combustion chamber engine).

Marketing is everything.

[Jlmatt]

On my engine the block is a late model. But it works with the original head and the generator from 1961.

Jean-Luc

[Laker]

072077 , a bit younger than the craft propelled .

[sastanley]

My research shows that Universal ceased production of the A-4 in 1980 but continued to ship engines until 1984.

Hi Neil, I have spoken with an old salt (at the bar, where else ) that said he worked for Westerbeke in 1980 when they went into the Oshkosh plant & shut it down when Westerbeke 'bought out' Universal. This I would consider a reliable source, except I think his liver has seen a lot of use in the last 30 years. His memory still seems to be intact. I would take this information to mean that Westerbeke didn't like the Atomic4 and wanted to stop production to remove any competition from the market & allow diesels to take over...too bad.

The rumor I've heard is that Catalina continued to put A-4's into their boats until 1982 due to a large stockpile they had purchased prior. I might have heard this from Max Munger or read it on the Catalina30 class website.

Caleb, since you started the poll, here is the data I have. The casting date stamped on my engine block in my '77 model year boat is April 1976. I have the serial number floating around somewhere.. - edit, it is #197258 .

[Mo]

I have a 76 and a 79. The 79 is a drop in spare in the garage.

[ILikeRust]

Although my boat was made in 1968 and came from the Pearson plant with an A4, the A4 that was in it when I bought it last year was made and installed in 1983. Well, at least it was marketed as a 1983, whether it actually was "made" in that year, I dunno. But I have the receipt from 1983 and the original owner's manual in among the paperwork that came with the boat.

So mine is one of the last...

[weephee]

How old is your Atomic 4 Engine

Does anyone have a picture or ad showing what the original A4's looked like.

[ILikeRust]

I don't know if this is the "original" style, but it definitely is an older style:

[Ball Racing]

What part of the serial number gives you the build date?

[sastanley]

I have a separate stamping on the block...it is just aft of the oil pressure sending unit hole & under the valve side plate..I didn't see it until last spring.

edit - here is a better pic, showing the casting date.