WTB: Running Atomic 4

[hillzz22]

I'm looking for a used, running Atomic 4 for my 1976 Catalina 30 sailboat. I currently have a late model engine that is losing oil through the side of the block (appears to be near the starter) and am not sure how extensive the damage is.

I'm located in CT but will drive a bit for a good deal. I am looking to sell the boat within a year, so do not need a pristine example, but would prefer an engine that runs well and requires minimal work. I should be able to reuse all of my accessories, in case someone has an engine that is incomplete.

Thank you in advance for any leads!

Aaron

[BunnyPlanet169]

Aaron- welcome to the Forum!

I can't offer a running engine, but I can offer this advice: Unless your block is crazy damaged rusty, the most likely way for oil to come out 'around the starter' would be a faulty gasket behind the flywheel housing. Depending on your access, that's a pretty easy gasket to get to and replace, without having to move the engine at all.

[hillzz22]

Thanks, Jeff! That's great news, I appreciate the tip. I haven't had a chance to start tearing things apart and fully investigating yet, but wanted to put a feeler out there in case I'm dealing with the worst case scenario.

I really hope you're right. When I shut the engine down (and promptly called BoatUS for a tow), I was losing oil and then heard a loud noise and oil shot out from the starboard side cover of the engine compartment. When I quickly checked things out, I noticed more oil coming from behind the starter. Maybe the noise I heard was the gasket behind the flywheel housing rupturing?

If that is in fact my issue, it should be easy to remedy. I have a full sized removable access panel right in front of the flywheel.

[BunnyPlanet169]

I was losing oil and then heard a loud noise and oil shot out from the starboard side cover of the engine compartment.

This kinda changes my initial optimism, and would not be the result of a leaky gasket. But it's worth pulling the starter anyway... Sounds like you may, in fact, have a nasty hole in your block. 'Shot out' sounds like pressurized from an oil galley, not seeping from a gasket, sorry.

[JOHN COOKSON]

BoatUS for a tow), I was losing oil and then heard a loud noise and oil shot out from the starboard side cover of the engine compartment. When I quickly checked things out, I noticed more oil coming from behind the starter. Maybe the noise I heard was the gasket behind the flywheel housing rupturing?
l.

I'd take the side cover off also. If oil did indeed "shoot out" the seal is not good. Something doesn't sound right here.

TRUE GRIT

[Al Schober]

Aaron,
There's no oil gallery on the stbd side. The only way to shoot oil out is to have a rod punch a hole in the block.
I suspect a water leak from the cover plate - either it's corroded through or a bolt or two have failed - wouldn't be the first time! Time to pull the starter had have a look.
Where in CT are you?

[The Garbone]

Ehh, almost sounds like a failure on the accessory drive gasket with pulley slinging oil. If not maybe a big old hole in the side of the block behind the starter. I don't thing the flywheel cover gasket would be a cause.

[ndutton]

When I shut the engine down (and promptly called BoatUS for a tow), I was losing oil and then heard a loud noise and oil shot out from the starboard side cover of the engine compartment. When I quickly checked things out, I noticed more oil coming from behind the starter. Maybe the noise I heard was the gasket behind the flywheel housing rupturing?

Not good. If it's determined a replacement block/engine is needed please consider the variety of products available from MMI including a replacement block, a short block or a complete engine. I understand with the intended sale of the boat in the near future a complete new engine may be outside the budget but the lesser products may be a good fit.

Alternatively there is an engine on ebay right now located in New Jersey for $600 OBO. Considering it does not run and is therefore an unknown entity, if interested I'd exercise the OBO option. It may be worth driving a couple of hundred miles for a compression check and water jacket pressure test and if acceptable, wave two or three hundred dollar bills under his nose. You never know. Worst case is it costs you a day's driving and a tank of gas.

[hillzz22]

Aaron,
There's no oil gallery on the stbd side. The only way to shoot oil out is to have a rod punch a hole in the block.
I suspect a water leak from the cover plate - either it's corroded through or a bolt or two have failed - wouldn't be the first time! Time to pull the starter had have a look.
Where in CT are you?

Unfortunately, Al is correct! I finally had a chance to remove the starter this weekend and the following pictures pretty much sum things up. Judging by the amount of corrosion, I'm thinking it was time for a transplant anyways. By the way, Al, I'm on a mooring just across the river from you, in Gales Ferry.

ndutton, I have looked at the different options from MMI and completely agree that would be my safest bet, but as you mentioned, since I am not planning on keeping the boat long term, most of those options are not really economically viable.

Bottom line - I'm still on the hunt for a solid A4, if anyone knows of an engine available in the New England area.

[JOHN COOKSON]

22
Maybe put an outboard on a drop down bracket on the stern and sell the boat that way?

TRUE GRIT

[BunnyPlanet169]

Sorry to hear that, Aaron.

You're in a classic value proposition now. I was in the same a couple years ago, with a boat that had much less residual value that yours....

You might try calling these folks: http://www.certifiedsales.com/ They have a yard not far from you in southern MA, and do a lot of insurance salvage. Disclaimer - I purchased both my salvage boat and salvage A4 block from them (at different times), but I have no interest in the business, and I'm obviously not too bright.

A block of unknown provenance is a few hundred dollars, no more than five if it turns over and has a few recent accessories showing some level of care. Like the one on eBay now for $595, which sounds pretty high. Maybe you'll get lucky, maybe you won't. What you're hoping for is something that can be rebuilt, or isn't too worn to begin with.

A running A4 is probably on the order of a thousand dollars. As in, 'it was running when I pulled it (not more than a few years ago).' Basically the same as above, with a little less risk.

A 'solid A4' is probably closer to fifteen hundred, and for me would include recent rebuild or known service history. You probably won't find one of these because they are all in boats.

The short block MMI, at $2400, is a pretty good deal. You get drop-in fit with new parts, with only a few days swapping the head and accessories off your engine. For resale, not bad. Hot tank and paint your head, and you've got nearly a new engine.

Good luck!

[Al Schober]

Aaron,
Boy, those are some ugly photos. Besides the hole, I've never seen corrosion that bad. There must have been a steady leak from the cover plate. I'd say that engine is toast! It's also likely to have a bent crankshaft at this point.
As for finding an engine, I don't know of any available offhand. I'd suggest calling around to local marinas and asking for their service department (if they have one) - you just might get lucky. There are numerous older boats with Atomic 4 engines that are abandoned or being sold for 'best offer' by the marina - worth a try. Try Jim Lewis at Gales Ferry Marina - you never know what he has in the back of his shop.

[The Garbone]

There is a fellow on the Catalina 30 owners group facebook page parting out a boat, he has 2 A4s he wants to part with. They are in St. Louis. I guess he sailed the Mississippi.

[thomasnwalshiii]

I think I can help

I have 2 partial atomic 4 engines that I don't need in my basement, one is rusted up pretty good with an unknown oil leak while the other looks very nice, neither unit has a head. If you're still in need I'll take pictures. I'm Rhode Island.

[myatesmikey]

A4 in good running condition for sale $900

Aaron, I have a 1978 Atomic 4 coming out of an O'Day 27 in two weeks!. Comes complete with controls, shaft, prop, and owners manual. The motor is located outside of Syracuse, easy drive from CT. Check out my posting and photos.

Mike