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  #1   IP: 174.253.161.161
Old 02-02-2020, 02:21 PM
Andewkw Andewkw is offline
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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?
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Old 02-03-2020, 09:29 AM
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Did you test for spark before changing things? Check for spark after? Is there fuel in the carburetor bowl?
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1977 Catalina 30
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prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
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Old 02-03-2020, 09:41 AM
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Quote:
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
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Old 02-03-2020, 10:02 AM
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Al Schober Al Schober is offline
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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.
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Old 02-03-2020, 04:35 PM
rkohl44 rkohl44 is offline
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Quote:
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.)
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Old 02-04-2020, 01:02 AM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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Have you been keeping the raw cooling water intake closed while no start cranking?

BTW: welcome to the forum.

ex TRUE GRIT
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Old 02-04-2020, 08:29 AM
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Quote:
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.
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Old 02-04-2020, 11:59 AM
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No need - the ether will spray through the flame arrester no problem. A little bit goes a long way too.
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  #9   IP: 172.249.104.171
Old 02-04-2020, 08:51 PM
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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..
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Old 02-04-2020, 10:44 PM
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Andewkw, responding to our questions helps us help you. Please come back.
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1977 Catalina 30
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prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few others
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