Looking for advice on an Atomic 4 repair / replacement

[ndutton]

My bet is the thermostat studs are where it's hanging up.

[roadnsky]

Thermostat isn't looking great.

Soak it in vinegar in your wife's favorite sauce pan.
Might take two soaks but it'll shine like new.

After that, use the same pan to boil it in water and test it.

(After that, buy some flowers)

[Dave Neptune]

While you have the cover off get a feeler gage and check the valve clearance. This may just show you where the problem is.

Have someone spin the starter while you look at the valves operating. If they are not seating with the tappet bingo.

Dave Neptune

[lat 64]

it's pretty clear you have a good engine with stuck valves. Stuck open, when they stick it's always open.

I totally agree!
Its great that you got a spare engine now, but let this gang talk you though getting those valves unstuck.
Then, restore spark and fuel. After all that, you will be super confident to go boating with a good understanding of your engine.
Politely dismiss your mechanics and donate the savings to my beer fund.
You "got" this, and we got your six.
Get the manual, get dirty, keep calm, and carry on.

Greetings,
Russ

[infy]

I was hoping to find a bad head gasket... but this looks on. It actually looks pretty good.

I don't have a gauge tool to check valves with me today

[infy]

Cylinder #4

[infy]

Video tour.

https://youtu.be/9wXn9CB_9nY

[infy]

What's the best way to hand turn an A4 engine?

I did see a specialized hand crank for sale. It looks like it's designed to start an A4. Is there a bolt I can access to turn it over with a socket?

[thatch]

This is where some of the Catalina-30 guys can really help out. As you have already noticed, there is a kick panel blocking access to the flywheel area. Neil and I, and I assume others, have cut a "port" in that panel for insertion of any of the crankshaft rotation tools. I prefer tool # "misc_01.1_285", which serves as a rotation tool, and will also function as a "pointer" for showing TDC. I'm sure that Neil will be adding some pictures of this "C-30 specific" Modification.
Tom

[ndutton]

OK, picture time.

Please know that there is a distinct difference between the MMI timing tool and their hand start crank. Both turn the engine manually but be sure to get the right tool for the job. To do otherwise is dangerous. A 13/16" socket can be modified by grinding slots to accept the crankshaft roll pin too.

[ndutton]

I was hoping to find a bad head gasket... but this looks on. It actually looks pretty good(

This reminded me of something I posted 6 years ago:

http://www.moyermarineforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=74259&postcount=8

[infy]

OK, picture time.

Please know that there is a distinct difference between the MMI timing tool and their hand start crank. Both turn the engine manually but be sure to get the right tool for the job. To do otherwise is dangerous. A 13/16" socket can be modified by grinding slots to accept the crankshaft roll pin too.

Ah interesting. I also noticed that the hand crank could not fit due to poor access. It's a bit disappointing that Catalina essentially designed out the ability to service the engine without removing it.

I suppose I can cut the fiberglass and make the same modifications.

This may be a silly question but.. what if I just wrap a towel around the prop shaft, put the transmission in gear, and grab the prop shaft with a vice grip? Turn the engine over that way?

[jcwright]

Below is a link to a 2005 thread in which Don Moyer comments on turning the engine using the prop shaft. FWIW, my own experience is that it is not difficult to rotate the engine using the prop shaft once the spark plugs are removed.

best regards,

jack.

Here's the link; Don's answer is a few replies from the top:

http://www.moyermarineforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=269

[ndutton]

Ah interesting. I also noticed that the hand crank could not fit due to poor access. It's a bit disappointing that Catalina essentially designed out the ability to service the engine without removing it

I dunno about that. I've had no problem servicing my engine for 14 years without removing it. In fact, the Catalina 30 enjoys some of the best all around engine access of all sailboats. Some Catalina 30 owners, especially the dieselites, add a teak door to access the front of the engine. If there's a will, there's a way.

[infy]

I'm talking to a guy who recommends turning over the A4 to find TDC by clicking it over with the starter motor. Not manually cranking it at the flywheel or prop shaft.

Interesting. I suppose I don't see anything wrong with that as long as it doesn't take too long.