Greetings from Lake Superior

[What Anchor]

I am new to this forum, but have been lurking long enough to know it is a great place with great people. I am currently restoring a 1963 Columbia 29 hull #50 with the original A4. Since winter is fast approaching I am directing all my work on removing the teak and getting the deck ready to paint. I plan to pull the A4 out and hopefully perform some major work on it this winter. When we pulled the boat it began smoking badly and had a terrible gas leak right at the mechanical fuel pump. Luckily we only ran it about 5 minutes, of course it seemed like an eternity as I was soaking up the gas and the PO was at the helm. It kinda had the set up of a James Bond movie.

Carl

[What Anchor]

Pics of the A4

Here is a picture of the A4 in the Columbia.

[Al Schober]

Carl,
Welcome to the forum! You've got many A4 owners here with years of experience - anxious to help you out.
Be sure to get the Moyer Manual - a wealth of information. It's the starting place for all the advice you'll receive here - indispensable!
That A4 is an oldie - but you're way ahead of the game, it's running.
The gas leak - mechanical or electrical fuel pump? If mechanical, it likely needs a rebuild (including a new diaphragm). Or the settling bowl on the inlet may be leaking - they're known for that.
Smoke in the cabin is usually blowby from worn rings. With the engine at home over the winter, doing rings is an enjoyable job - consider it therapy.
I look forward to seeing how you progress with this.

[Marian Claire]

Welcome to the forum. Nice looking early model with the added Dole T-stat housing. The altered slash tube, ? PCV valve, is a sign of someone dealing with blowby in the past. But more info on the "smoke" may help figure out its cause.
Dan S/V Marian Claire
1965 A-4

[joe_db]

What is the red thing back behind the engine?
I am really hoping that is not an outboard tank
Also FYI the PCV valve needs an up date to a 90 degree fitting so the valve is vertical.

[What Anchor]

No, the tank is not for an outboard. Interesting that Columbia mounted the fill tube for the tank in the floor of the cockpit, sure hope the drains continue to work and that little O ring on the cap is good. I was told the tall thing in the back was by a PO who took out the thermostat and had it making hot water for him. I assume the thermostat came out and with Lake Superior water it would be about the right temp for a shower.

The smoke was coming out of the exhaust not in the cabin.

Do most people convert to electric fuel pumps and if so what is the advantage?

I will be ordereing the Moyer manual today.
Thanks
Carl

[capnward]

Carl,
Welcome to the forum. You might want to see the recent thread titled 'fuel pump leak':

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9838&highlight=fuel+pump+leak

Also, search the forum for 'fuel pump leak', for similar threads.
Yes, many do convert to electrical pumps, and Moyer sells its rebuilt engines with electrical pumps, which usually work perfectly and are easier to replace. But in my opinion, mechanical fuel pumps have some distinct advantages, and you would be wise to fix the one you have, rather than go for the perceived upgrade to electrical. Nevertheless, a leaky mechanical pump is a serious problem.
With the help of this forum, the manual, and the good folks at Moyer Marine, you will grow to understand and appreciate these wonderful engines. With diligent maintenance, you will have many years of good service.
Happy Sailing!

[Hymodyne]

welcome

Welcome to forum,

Great people and information here. I just pulled an early model A4 out of our boat. Block was cracked, but everything else is in good shape if you need.

James

[What Anchor]

Thanks for the offer on the parts, but let me see where i am in a few months. right now my emphasis it to get the deck and interior looking good before it it too cold to be outside. I plan to pull the engine and overhaul it this winter. Of course it is always good to have spare parts.

[Marian Claire]

"The smoke was coming out of the exhaust not in the cabin."
White smoke, blue smoke, steam that looks like smoke?
Dan S/V Marian Claire

[What Anchor]

The smoke was blue, definitely oil smoke.

[joe_db]

What I meant was did someone try using an outboard tank to run the A4, which would be

No, the tank is not for an outboard. Interesting that Columbia mounted the fill tube for the tank in the floor of the cockpit, sure hope the drains continue to work and that little O ring on the cap is good. I was told the tall thing in the back was by a PO who took out the thermostat and had it making hot water for him. I assume the thermostat came out and with Lake Superior water it would be about the right temp for a shower.

The smoke was coming out of the exhaust not in the cabin.

Do most people convert to electric fuel pumps and if so what is the advantage?

I will be ordereing the Moyer manual today.
Thanks
Carl

[JOHN COOKSON]

I plan to pull the engine and overhaul it this winter. Of course it is always good to have spare parts.

As I am sure you know blue smoke implies "burning oil". You could do a wet and dry compression test if you choose to before the tear down to lock in the "burning oil" idea. Up to you. I presume you have been monitoring the oil level on the dip stick as you run the engine? What do the spark plugs look like?

TRUE GRIT