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  #1   IP: 67.238.207.46
Old 07-16-2018, 06:30 PM
blupeblupe321 blupeblupe321 is offline
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Possible Overheating Problem?

Hi! I recently purchased a 1967 Cal 34 sailboat with an atomic 4 gasoline engine. I am new to this particular motor and noticed when I bought it the previous owner was using vice grips to adjust water flow from the water pump to the thermostat. I noticed when I remove them no water comes out of the exhaust but when I clamp them down water comes out pretty consistently. I have been having some problems with the motor overheating (or so I think). The motor starts up fine when cold but after running for about 5-10 minutes the temperature gauge will go to 240 degrees and the motor will shut off instantly. It’s not a gradual shut off and it doesn’t make any noises before it happens it just cuts off almost like its a electronic safety switch that prevents the motor from overheating. After cooling for about 15-20 minutes it starts up again no problem and the cycle repeats itself. I have checked all of my inlet and exhaust hoses for buildup and they are all clear. I also removed the thermostat and it was clean inside. Something makes me think that the motor might not be overheating at all because I measured the temperature of the engine block with an IR thermometer and it never got above 160 degrees. I suspect the temperature gauge may be faulty. Would a bad thermostat cause this problem? I know Moyer Marine sells an improved thermostat for the atomic 4 motor. Thanks!
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  #2   IP: 32.211.28.40
Old 07-16-2018, 09:10 PM
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Al Schober Al Schober is offline
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Hello Blu,
Welcome to the forum. The place to come to for Atomic 4 advice - you'll have to decide whether it's good or bad.
With your temperature spiking like you describe, you have an overheat issue. A few things to try. First, remove the thermostat - let water flow through the block. Remember, the thermostat studs are also head bolts and need to be torqued. Second, put the vise grips back on the bypass hose - force the water through the block. Finally, remove the output elbow from the manifold and make sure things are clear there - that's a classic place for a blockage.
Let us know how you make out.
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  #3   IP: 70.186.109.11
Old 07-16-2018, 09:20 PM
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CajunSpike CajunSpike is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Schober View Post
Finally, remove the output elbow from the manifold and make sure things are clear there - that's a classic place for a blockage.
Let us know how you make out.
This is my vote to try.
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  #4   IP: 24.152.132.140
Old 07-16-2018, 09:43 PM
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Early or late model engine? Is there a dome shaped housing integral with the head? Have a look at the drawings in this post and tell us which applies to you.
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  #5   IP: 71.222.3.150
Old 07-17-2018, 10:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blupeblupe321 View Post
Something makes me think that the motor might not be overheating at all because I measured the temperature of the engine block with an IR thermometer and it never got above 160 degrees. I suspect the temperature gauge may be faulty.
Welcome to the forum!
I agree. IF the IR showed the block never got above 160° then you're not overheating.

Quote:
It’s not a gradual shut off and it doesn’t make any noises before it happens it just cuts off almost like its a electronic safety switch...
Do you have EI or points?
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Last edited by roadnsky; 07-17-2018 at 10:16 AM.
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