How NOT to store an Atomic Four

[Ram41662]

Okay, now that my Newport 27 is at my shop I thought I'd move her inside to thaw out the inch plus layer of ice inside the cabin. I thought "what the heck, while I wait for everything to melt so I can bilge her, I wonder what her engine looks like from a little closer..."

Well, the answer is down below. Yup, that's an Atomic Four Popcicle we have there folks. I was slightly waffling on whether or not to pull the engine. This view ended that: she's coming out for a proper overhaul and some much needed TLC.

[ndutton]

Please perform the cooling system pressure test before disassembly. You may save yourself a lot of time. By the way, the horn is Capital Yachts' substitute for a proper gauge panel. It replaces the buzzer on a Cole-Hersee type oil pressure and water temp alarm. Originally the boat had a single gauge - fuel level.

WOW, how many butt splices can we see? And a gate valve, YIKES!

[Ram41662]

Yeh, it's a bodger's wet dream. My initial plan is to give myself a proper full set of instrumentation and a clean wiring harness.

I'm not sure why I wouldn't want to pull the engine. With it out I'd have better access to the shaft so I could more easily install a dripless shaft seal system and clean up any problems that might be hiding back there. I could also address adding some vibration dampening engine mounts while I was at it. I did a similar job on my old '77 Sea Ray 270. It greatly reduced the engine vibration.

[tenders]

I couldn't tell if that was a horn or a wayward doorknob!

[Ram41662]

Yeh, that is a goofy looking horn. Why would anyone opt for such an inefficient alarm system? I'd like to see a gauge, indicator light and maybe a klaxon that could be heard from anywhere on the boat in even poor conditions.

[JOHN COOKSON]

You could go with the gauge and keep the horn as an audible alarm for low oil pressure.

TRUE GRIT

[Hymodyne]

pulling is good

I received an A4 in a similar condition, swamped and sitting in water for a while inside our Pearson Triton two summers ago. Tearing her down, I discovered a crack in the block, and was able to source two engines from which I was able to make one. Lots of parts for early and late model engines. Get a manual. Good luck with your project and hurrah! for your thoughtful wife!

James

[Oldlaxer1]

WOW, how many butt splices can we see? And a gate valve, YIKES!

Sure looks like a wire nut at the lowest point of the bilge also.

[sastanley]

Ram, be sure to peruse the store area of Moyer Marine..that is really their bread and butter..we are just a bunch of weekend warriors (mostly) helping each other keep our boats running.

There is a very nifty alarm/warning system that accents the original Cole Hersee hi-temp/low pressure alarm. If you are starting from scratch, I'd recommend you might as well incorporate this kit when re-building the engine electrical system. If you have pieces missing, Moyer also sells the other parts too (buzzer, switches, etc.)

The EWDS - Part # KTAS_01_564

[Ram41662]

James, thanks for the encouragement. And yeh, she's a keeper.

Oldlaxer, you haven't seen a fraction of crappy wiring. There are butt splices and wire nuts everywhere! I counted 4 butt splices on just one wire run. This guy was something special.

Shawn, I have been already looking at several items from Moyer as well contacting Don as to pitfalls I might run into. Damn, that guy isn't only nice, he's damn knowledgeable too.

[joe_db]

I hate butt splices. In my experience they are much more likely to fail than any other kind of crimp fitting. I have very few left on my boat.

[sastanley]

Ram, if you haven't already, wait until you talk to Ken in the parts department..everyone at MMI knows their stuff.

I highly recommend calling Ken after you assemble your list..#1, he gets paid to answer your calls, & #2, he will help make sure you don't forget something, like that pesky gasket for the thinga-ma-jig.

[Ram41662]

Thanks the tip on Ken. As seen below, MMI has seen this engine before. I'm working with them now to determine when and what was done to it.