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  #1   IP: 99.57.173.96
Old 09-03-2018, 12:27 PM
Gregswetka Gregswetka is offline
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Looking for an A4 mechanic in Detroit, MI

My ‘74 A4 in my C&C35mkII is down on power. I’ve replaced plugs (very black and new ones black after just a few hours of running)and fuel water separator filter with minimal results. Looking for someone who will check compression, timing, carborater and possibly instal Moyer electronic ignition and upgrade the alternator. Weighing the options of restoration of this engine or replacing with Universal or Yanmar diesel.
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  #2   IP: 32.211.28.40
Old 09-04-2018, 09:41 AM
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Al Schober Al Schober is offline
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Your black plugs sound like an issue with worn rings. What's the history on this engine? Are you getting smoke in the cabin?
The restore/replace issue has been discussed extensively on this forum. The forum members like the Atomic 4 and will urge you toward restoration. A mechanic will likely recommend replacement with a diesel which will cost you a lot of money. Look at the price of a new diesel and double it.
Do you want to always be reliant on a mechanic to do your maintenance and repairs? Developing your own capabilities will give you freedom - the freedom to go where you want without worry. Cruising has been defined as 'getting to fix your boat in exotic locations'. I've cleaned my carb while onboard and under way - I wouldn't think of trying that with diesel injectors or an injection pump!
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  #3   IP: 137.200.0.109
Old 09-04-2018, 09:45 AM
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We are a long way away from knowing if your engine has minor or major issues.
Low power and black plugs is carbon fouling. One cause of this can be a plugged or collapsing exhaust system, which will inflict the same issue on any replacement engine. Also step 1 is make sure the bottom and PROP are clean. Our props are small and it takes only a few barnacles to hose up the system.

What is your budget like? If $15,000 is pocket change, a few phone calls and a brand new diesel is a good idea. If that is not the case, we can help.

Joe
Coquina
C&C 35 MK I


Last edited by joe_db; 09-04-2018 at 10:51 AM.
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  #4   IP: 71.179.5.155
Old 09-04-2018, 06:43 PM
sdemore sdemore is offline
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I can attest to barnacles on the prop causing major issues!
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  #5   IP: 24.224.195.189
Old 09-04-2018, 07:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_db View Post
We are a long way away from knowing if your engine has minor or major issues.
Low power and black plugs is carbon fouling. One cause of this can be a plugged or collapsing exhaust system, which will inflict the same issue on any replacement engine. Also step 1 is make sure the bottom and PROP are clean. Our props are small and it takes only a few barnacles to hose up the system.

What is your budget like? If $15,000 is pocket change, a few phone calls and a brand new diesel is a good idea. If that is not the case, we can help.

Joe
Coquina
C&C 35 MK I

Could be a few things causing this as mentioned above. Was there any blue smoke out the exhaust. If not a good tune up might be in order. A clean bottom makes a difference, carb leaned out, clean fuel filters, plugs that are hot enough, timing...my advice would be to find a guy that works on engines, A4 preferred but not really necessary. The guys that tinker with old engines, in their 60's and 70's are awesome...they played with points and condensers, firing order, plugs, timing, listening to engines, troubleshooting....a good manual along with this forum will get you through.

PS...awesome boat Joe...I love the 35MKI better than the 35MKII and 35MkIII
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1976 C&C 30 MKI

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails.
...Sir William Arthur Ward.

Last edited by Mo; 09-04-2018 at 07:23 PM.
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  #6   IP: 104.13.213.227
Old 09-05-2018, 12:00 AM
Grant Grant is offline
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Low cost compression testers are available in most auto parts stores or even cheaper on Amazon. It is a simple procedure to do. A dwell meter will tell you the condition of your points very easily and you will start to learn about your engine. Black sooty plugs can also be caused by a dirty/clogged air filter/spark arrestor. All of the other suggestions are possible also. It takes a bit of reading and a little dirt under the fingernails and you become more independent. Give it a try. ____Grant.
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