I have a 1979 Tartan (585) with the original A4. When it runs it runs well. Has 110 lbs of compression in all 4 cylinders.
2 years ago I had issues and the engine wouldn't start. $1,200 later with a totally new ignition system (except for the distributor) and a new fuel delivery system except for the tank it was supposed to be fixed. At the same time they rebuilt the carburator. It ran ok but still would stall for really no reason. Last season I was on my way to Block Island sailing away with the engine running to charge batteries. It stalled and I couldn't get it started again. Turned around and sailed home. That time the yard said ir was Water in the fuel. Again it ran ok for the rest of the summer but still would stall for no reason.
This year the yard lauched her last week. The A4 SUPPOSEDLY ran fine for the yard people. I started her Saturday. She ran eratically. Would speed up, slow down, then finally stall. I couldn't resatrt her. I had a spare fuel filter on the boat so I changed it. The engine started right up and ran great. I took her into the dock and she ran fine. I tied up and spent about 3 hours cleaning and loading the cabin for the season so she cooled down. Started her up and the same issue. Ran lousy! Sped up slowed down. I tried the choke in several positions. Finally after 2 or 3 minutes it stalled and wouldn't restart. I just let it sit for about 3 minutes and she started and ran ok again.
I don't know what to do. I have no trust in the engine and nobody seems to be able to fix it at least nobody at my Marina. They keep telling me to pull the engine and put in a yanmar deisel. Not interested in that. I like the quietnes of the A4 when it runs reliably.
Should I be pumping the gas out of the tank?? Is there a way to clean the tank???. Doesn't look like there is a way to get it out? Should I be replacing the Carburator
Any Ideas??? Also Any suggestions of a good A4 mechanic in the Mystic or New London Connecticut area?? Maybe I need to have some else work on it. If you can't post that info here please e-mail to mal.leichter@comcast.net.
Don, Last year you said I had plenty of life left in the engine. I am wondering if I ought to be thinking of replacing it. Need to get to a point where I can traust it again.
HELP PLEASE!!!
Mal Leichter
2 years ago I had issues and the engine wouldn't start. $1,200 later with a totally new ignition system (except for the distributor) and a new fuel delivery system except for the tank it was supposed to be fixed. At the same time they rebuilt the carburator. It ran ok but still would stall for really no reason. Last season I was on my way to Block Island sailing away with the engine running to charge batteries. It stalled and I couldn't get it started again. Turned around and sailed home. That time the yard said ir was Water in the fuel. Again it ran ok for the rest of the summer but still would stall for no reason.
This year the yard lauched her last week. The A4 SUPPOSEDLY ran fine for the yard people. I started her Saturday. She ran eratically. Would speed up, slow down, then finally stall. I couldn't resatrt her. I had a spare fuel filter on the boat so I changed it. The engine started right up and ran great. I took her into the dock and she ran fine. I tied up and spent about 3 hours cleaning and loading the cabin for the season so she cooled down. Started her up and the same issue. Ran lousy! Sped up slowed down. I tried the choke in several positions. Finally after 2 or 3 minutes it stalled and wouldn't restart. I just let it sit for about 3 minutes and she started and ran ok again.
I don't know what to do. I have no trust in the engine and nobody seems to be able to fix it at least nobody at my Marina. They keep telling me to pull the engine and put in a yanmar deisel. Not interested in that. I like the quietnes of the A4 when it runs reliably.
Should I be pumping the gas out of the tank?? Is there a way to clean the tank???. Doesn't look like there is a way to get it out? Should I be replacing the Carburator
Any Ideas??? Also Any suggestions of a good A4 mechanic in the Mystic or New London Connecticut area?? Maybe I need to have some else work on it. If you can't post that info here please e-mail to mal.leichter@comcast.net.
Don, Last year you said I had plenty of life left in the engine. I am wondering if I ought to be thinking of replacing it. Need to get to a point where I can traust it again.
HELP PLEASE!!!
Mal Leichter
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