Hi! I recently purchased a 1967 Cal 34 sailboat with an atomic 4 gasoline engine. I am new to this particular motor and noticed when I bought it the previous owner was using vice grips to adjust water flow from the water pump to the thermostat. I noticed when I remove them no water comes out of the exhaust but when I clamp them down water comes out pretty consistently. I have been having some problems with the motor overheating (or so I think). The motor starts up fine when cold but after running for about 5-10 minutes the temperature gauge will go to 240 degrees and the motor will shut off instantly. It’s not a gradual shut off and it doesn’t make any noises before it happens it just cuts off almost like its a electronic safety switch that prevents the motor from overheating. After cooling for about 15-20 minutes it starts up again no problem and the cycle repeats itself. I have checked all of my inlet and exhaust hoses for buildup and they are all clear. I also removed the thermostat and it was clean inside. Something makes me think that the motor might not be overheating at all because I measured the temperature of the engine block with an IR thermometer and it never got above 160 degrees. I suspect the temperature gauge may be faulty. Would a bad thermostat cause this problem? I know Moyer Marine sells an improved thermostat for the atomic 4 motor. Thanks!
Possible Overheating Problem?
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Hello Blu,
Welcome to the forum. The place to come to for Atomic 4 advice - you'll have to decide whether it's good or bad.
With your temperature spiking like you describe, you have an overheat issue. A few things to try. First, remove the thermostat - let water flow through the block. Remember, the thermostat studs are also head bolts and need to be torqued. Second, put the vise grips back on the bypass hose - force the water through the block. Finally, remove the output elbow from the manifold and make sure things are clear there - that's a classic place for a blockage.
Let us know how you make out.
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Early or late model engine? Is there a dome shaped housing integral with the head? Have a look at the drawings in this post and tell us which applies to you.Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few others
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Originally posted by blupeblupe321 View PostSomething makes me think that the motor might not be overheating at all because I measured the temperature of the engine block with an IR thermometer and it never got above 160 degrees. I suspect the temperature gauge may be faulty.
I agree. IF the IR showed the block never got above 160° then you're not overheating.
It’s not a gradual shut off and it doesn’t make any noises before it happens it just cuts off almost like its a electronic safety switch...Last edited by roadnsky; 07-17-2018, 10:16 AM.-Jerry
'Lone Ranger'
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1978 RANGER 30
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