Looking for A4 mechanic in Metro Boston Area

[mylesmcnamara]

Boat is currently in a slip in Quincy, MA. This is our first inboard engine. We plan to learn how to work on it ourselves, but we currently lack the time, tools and discernment to troubleshoot what looks like a solid engine that won't start. Looking for a mechanic with experience in A4s to help us get it up and running as soon as possible so we can get it our of the marina and around the point to the mooring field where it will live this season.

[Dave Neptune]

Welcome

mylesmacnamara, first welcome to the MMI Afourian forum.

First this site is mostly about supporting those who want to both learn and become confident in their and the A-4's abilities.

There are few actual A-4 mechanics left other than the current owners. There is maybe someone on this site who knows of one in your area. The trouble today is that the mechanics are not trained on these old gas engines and they just try to sell you a diesel conversion which usually costs as much as our old boats.

Good luck. If you do decide to do it, sometimes a bit of "liquid bread & chips offered up may get someone knowledgeable in your area or from this site. It is often easier and faster to "learn" to get it started from dead than to find a qualified mechanic not wishing to sell you a diesel.

Dave Neptune

[joe_db]

If memory serves, there is or was a shop in New England that did a lot of A4 work. I have no idea if they still do.
For the most part it is better to learn the engine yourself.

[tenders]

There were a couple of suggestions in this old thread:

http://www.moyermarineforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4922

What's the issue with it at the moment? In all earnesty, you can probably fix it yourself in the time it takes to track down, schedule, and actually get a mechanic onsite.

[Sam]

Just come back with a little info - boat/yr, is A4 early model or late model [oil fill in back or front], electronic ignition or points? Our harbor here in Chicago has winter boat storage in the harbor parking lot for those that wish for the convenience. Every spring a few A4's "mysteriously" don"t start once boat is towed to the slip. Most of the time this is solved in minutes using a "points file", cleaning mild corrosion/ electrical contacts or a squirt of starting fluid. You need as the old adage says good fuel, compression & spark. I'd be surprised if you did not have enough compression to start.