I have a 1968 Tartan 27 with the original Atomic 4 – Model 5101, Serial # 194899. She is saltwater cooled. She has always been in the waters near cape cod. This means about four months of operations per year. I would guess on average she has consumed about 20 gals per year. So I guess that equates to about 20 hours per year for 36 years or around 1000 hours of use. I think it is fair to assume that the engine was flushed and winterized each year. I purchased the boat because she was well taken care of.
This engine runs great! She runs cool - 110 degrees at 5 knots, always starts, good compression, clean oil. New exhaust, carburetor, fuel filter, fuel pump ( electric), alternator, etc. most from your shop.
I do have some issues with the transmission, but I have not tried to do any of the recommended adjustments yet.
So she is rusty, but I keep her coated with Boeshield T-9 ( Boeing) to prevent any further degradation and that seems to be working.
My question: should I prioritize the overhaul of this old girl or not? What are the odds of a catastrophic failure at sea due to thinning piston walls or some other long term corrosion related issue? Have you seen these types of problems/failures in the engines you have rebuilt?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am trying to schedule an overhaul sometime within the next few years, but I have other issues I would like to deal with first.
This engine runs great! She runs cool - 110 degrees at 5 knots, always starts, good compression, clean oil. New exhaust, carburetor, fuel filter, fuel pump ( electric), alternator, etc. most from your shop.
I do have some issues with the transmission, but I have not tried to do any of the recommended adjustments yet.
So she is rusty, but I keep her coated with Boeshield T-9 ( Boeing) to prevent any further degradation and that seems to be working.
My question: should I prioritize the overhaul of this old girl or not? What are the odds of a catastrophic failure at sea due to thinning piston walls or some other long term corrosion related issue? Have you seen these types of problems/failures in the engines you have rebuilt?
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am trying to schedule an overhaul sometime within the next few years, but I have other issues I would like to deal with first.
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