Atomic 4 wont start

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Andewkw
    Member
    • Feb 2020
    • 1

    Atomic 4 wont start

    I have an atomic 4 on my 1971 C&C 35. It was running fine yesterday then it just shut off. It turns over but won't start. I cleaned the plugs and wires, changed the ignition coil and still nothing. Any ideas?
  • ndutton
    Afourian MVP
    • May 2009
    • 9601

    #2
    Did you test for spark before changing things? Check for spark after? Is there fuel in the carburetor bowl?
    Neil
    1977 Catalina 30
    San Pedro, California
    prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
    Had my hands in a few others

    Comment

    • joe_db
      Afourian MVP
      • May 2009
      • 4474

      #3
      Originally posted by Andewkw View Post
      I have an atomic 4 on my 1971 C&C 35. It was running fine yesterday then it just shut off. It turns over but won't start. I cleaned the plugs and wires, changed the ignition coil and still nothing. Any ideas?
      Do you still have the original fuel tank and hoses?
      I replaced all of it long ago, the tank was rusting from the inside out and the fill hose was falling apart and dropping rubber bits in the tank. Even more fun was when the rubber 90 degree elbow came apart where the tank fill is

      Also did you check your work - are you getting a spark now?
      Joe
      Coquina
      1973 C&C 35 MK I
      Joe Della Barba
      Coquina
      C&C 35 MK I
      Maryland USA

      Comment

      • Al Schober
        Afourian MVP
        • Jul 2009
        • 2007

        #4
        You need 3 things: compression, fuel, spark. That's it. You're likely missing only one, and it probably isn't compression.
        Give it a shot of starting ether and see what happens. If you're missing spark, there will be no change. If you're missing fuel, the engine will run for a short while on the ether.

        Comment

        • rkohl44
          Senior Member
          • Feb 2017
          • 56

          #5
          Originally posted by Al Schober View Post
          Give it a shot of starting ether and see what happens. If you're missing spark, there will be no change. If you're missing fuel, the engine will run for a short while on the ether.
          very basic question, Al: How do you use starting ether? Where do you squirt it? (I've obviously never done this before.)

          Comment

          • JOHN COOKSON
            Afourian MVP, Professor Emeritus
            • Nov 2008
            • 3500

            #6
            Have you been keeping the raw cooling water intake closed while no start cranking?

            BTW: welcome to the forum.

            ex TRUE GRIT

            Comment

            • GregH
              Afourian MVP
              • Jun 2015
              • 564

              #7
              Originally posted by rkohl44 View Post
              very basic question, Al: How do you use starting ether? Where do you squirt it? (I've obviously never done this before.)
              Do you seer the air filter sticking out the left hand size of the carb? Take that off (easily loosen the machine screw and slide it off) and give a 1-2 sec squirt of ether into the carb from there is what I do when I need to test it that way.
              Greg
              1975 Alberg 30
              sigpic

              Comment

              • joe_db
                Afourian MVP
                • May 2009
                • 4474

                #8
                No need - the ether will spray through the flame arrester no problem. A little bit goes a long way too.
                Joe Della Barba
                Coquina
                C&C 35 MK I
                Maryland USA

                Comment

                • CamaroMan
                  • Oct 2017
                  • 42

                  #9
                  look at the carb, theres a small square flame arrestor with a black hose ontop - give it 2-3 seconds max.. open throttle 5%-10% (this gets the starting fluid flowing) - and swing her over and see if she puffs at all.

                  When you swapped the coil did you wire it correctly? should have close to battery voltage at coil + when key on before starting - check that too and report back..

                  Comment

                  • ndutton
                    Afourian MVP
                    • May 2009
                    • 9601

                    #10
                    Andewkw, responding to our questions helps us help you. Please come back.
                    Neil
                    1977 Catalina 30
                    San Pedro, California
                    prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
                    Had my hands in a few others

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X