Return to the home page...

Go Back   Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community - Home of the Afourians > Discussion Topics > Troubleshooting

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 07-12-2011, 03:36 PM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,016
Thanks: 1,134
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
Red face Somebody thinks I know something about A4's..now I am an 'expert'!?!?

Well, A buddy of mine has caught me in the act. He heard me telling a story (to outboard owning friends) about how pleased I've been with the A4 in "TA" recently. He has some old neglected A4 in a donated sailboat he wants help with.

So, I am going to the boat today to get my tool box (a few A4 specific tools in there) my spare fuel pump, spare carb & backup distributor plate (with points & condensor installed) to carry with me. - He says it will turn over & has compression, but he needs help with the ignition & some tricks to get the fuel system cleaned out. I might take a known good set of spark plugs too.

"I need to get the engine running so the 'kids' (Scouts, maybe?) can sail it around and get it out of the marina."

I think we'll be doing this tomorrow afternoon..wish me luck.

Anything else I should add to my list?
__________________
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif
Reply With Quote
  #2   IP: 148.170.241.1
Old 07-12-2011, 03:57 PM
ILikeRust's Avatar
ILikeRust ILikeRust is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 2,202
Thanks: 2
Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts
Just remember, an expert is nothing more than a former drip under pressure (ex-spurt, get it?).
__________________
- Bill T.
- Richmond, VA

Relentless pursuer of lost causes
Reply With Quote
  #3   IP: 24.224.206.117
Old 07-12-2011, 04:38 PM
Mo's Avatar
Mo Mo is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax NS,
Posts: 4,470
Thanks: 292
Thanked 411 Times in 272 Posts
Talking Excellent

Good for you Shawn. You know more than the average mechanic will know about the engine. I've done a few A4 resuscitations around here myself.

When I help people out I ask them to meet me at their boat about 7am. It rarely takes more than a couple of hours and I find that if I have to work on it until noon I can still have time for a sail / beerin the afternoon.

They will likely be a bunch of happy sailors when you are done with it.
__________________
Mo

"Odyssey"
1976 C&C 30 MKI

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails.
...Sir William Arthur Ward.
Reply With Quote
  #4   IP: 68.224.125.208
Old 07-12-2011, 06:36 PM
roadnsky's Avatar
roadnsky roadnsky is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lake Mead, NV
Posts: 3,104
Thanks: 24
Thanked 467 Times in 309 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by sastanley View Post
Anything else I should add to my list?
Shawn-
Maybe take along a 5-gal gas can in case you want to "work around" his existing fuel system?
(Got any spare fuel hoses?)
Also, depending on his boat, some good mirrors and a camera to get into those hard to reach spots.
__________________
-Jerry

'Lone Ranger'

1978 RANGER 30
Reply With Quote
  #5   IP: 38.102.16.112
Old 07-12-2011, 07:59 PM
Administrator's Avatar
Administrator Administrator is offline
MMI Webmaster
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chestertown, MD (Langford Creek)
Posts: 2,198
Thanks: 1,335
Thanked 365 Times in 182 Posts
Camera?

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #6   IP: 68.224.125.208
Old 07-12-2011, 08:23 PM
roadnsky's Avatar
roadnsky roadnsky is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lake Mead, NV
Posts: 3,104
Thanks: 24
Thanked 467 Times in 309 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Administrator View Post
Camera?

Bill
Was that a question for me or a suggestion to Shawn?

I take pics of places I can't see to get a view of what's going on in that spot.
(Plus, I know how fond of pics that Shawn is)
__________________
-Jerry

'Lone Ranger'

1978 RANGER 30
Reply With Quote
  #7   IP: 38.102.16.112
Old 07-12-2011, 09:38 PM
Administrator's Avatar
Administrator Administrator is offline
MMI Webmaster
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chestertown, MD (Langford Creek)
Posts: 2,198
Thanks: 1,335
Thanked 365 Times in 182 Posts
Hi, Jerry:

It was for Shawn. Should I have mentioned the old infrared thermometer?

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #8   IP: 216.115.121.240
Old 07-13-2011, 01:12 AM
lat 64's Avatar
lat 64 lat 64 is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,964
Thanks: 39
Thanked 240 Times in 157 Posts
Go for it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Administrator View Post
Camera?

Bill
I was thinking the same thing.
You'll be our hands Shawn, and we'll all help fix this motor. Just like real doctors with robotic operating rooms

get a few happy people shots too.

Russ
__________________
Whiskeyjack a '68 Columbia 36 rebuilt A-4 with 2:1

"Since when is napping doing nothing?"
Reply With Quote
  #9   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 07-13-2011, 09:41 AM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,016
Thanks: 1,134
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
Thumbs up

Gentlemen, Great ideas, thanks.

I am making an extended list. Turns out we won't be going today (my friend is busy working on his own boat, an Olson 30, in preparation for the Eastport to Solomons Race this weekend, and the Screwpile Regatta next week)

So, we have some time to build up a list for any and all possibilities...we are planning to visit this boat next week sometime. (what this means is since I was planning to take the afternoon off anyway, I may sneak over to my own boat instead and install my new LED running lights!! I found a place in Canada that makes SS teardrop shape lights that bolt into the existing holes in the hull of old boats like mine with the running lights in the anchor locker & are completely waterproof!! )

Jerry/Bill, you are right..I am spoiled with the access I have in the C-30..reaching an arm & camera/mirror into a tight spot instead of my big noggin may help. I think my 2" mirror I bought specifically for the purpose of seeing the rear main seal is still in my tool box.

Jerry, I had thought of that very issue with the fuel..I suggested we have a fresh jerry can of fuel available to completely bypass the fuel system..gravity feed right into the carb if necessary.

Keep 'em coming. I am sure I'll need a bigger toolbox by the time we are done!
__________________
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif
Reply With Quote
  #10   IP: 161.213.49.1
Old 07-13-2011, 11:38 AM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
Afourian MVP, Professor Emeritus
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,500
Thanks: 54
Thanked 855 Times in 629 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by sastanley View Post
Anything else I should add to my list?
A hand crank.

TRUE GRIT
Reply With Quote
  #11   IP: 70.91.159.33
Old 07-13-2011, 12:22 PM
Bold Rascal's Avatar
Bold Rascal Bold Rascal is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Princess Anne, MD
Posts: 302
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Exclamation Don't forget the Golden rule!

Make sure your raw water intake valve is closed until she's running...

Get in there and represent!
__________________
Mike, Slower-Lower Eastern shore, MD
1973 Pearson 33
1967 Bristol 27
Reply With Quote
  #12   IP: 216.70.184.248
Old 07-13-2011, 03:17 PM
roadnsky's Avatar
roadnsky roadnsky is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lake Mead, NV
Posts: 3,104
Thanks: 24
Thanked 467 Times in 309 Posts
HIJACK alert...

Quote:
Originally Posted by sastanley View Post
Gentlemen, Great ideas, thanks.
...we are planning to visit this boat next week sometime. (what this means is since I was planning to take the afternoon off anyway, I may sneak over to my own boat instead and install my new LED running lights!! I found a place in Canada that makes SS teardrop shape lights that bolt into the existing holes in the hull of old boats like mine with the running lights in the anchor locker & are completely waterproof!! )
I did mine a few weeks ago.
They're so bright, I can use them as HEADLIGHTS!
Attached Images
  
__________________
-Jerry

'Lone Ranger'

1978 RANGER 30
Reply With Quote
  #13   IP: 38.102.16.112
Old 07-13-2011, 03:58 PM
Administrator's Avatar
Administrator Administrator is offline
MMI Webmaster
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chestertown, MD (Langford Creek)
Posts: 2,198
Thanks: 1,335
Thanked 365 Times in 182 Posts
LED running lights have been approved by the Coast Guard?

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #14   IP: 24.224.206.117
Old 07-13-2011, 04:27 PM
Mo's Avatar
Mo Mo is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax NS,
Posts: 4,470
Thanks: 292
Thanked 411 Times in 272 Posts
In Canada they have been. I've got a nice tri-light and anchor light combo on top of my mast that was bought for a coast guard rescue boat here. Catalogue price $780.

I picked it up for $150 because they changed their boat design and had no use for it. That light is bright, draws very little power, and is sealed with epoxy. You would hardley know it is there until you turn it on...it's about the size of a hockey puck and heavy /solid due to its construction.

My hull running lights are still the standard bulbs.

Jerry That marina set-up you are on looks pretty good. You don't have to worry about a neighbouring boat to get off the dock...not bad at all. And nice job on the woodwork around those lights too!!
__________________
Mo

"Odyssey"
1976 C&C 30 MKI

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails.
...Sir William Arthur Ward.

Last edited by Mo; 07-13-2011 at 04:34 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15   IP: 148.170.241.1
Old 07-13-2011, 04:58 PM
ILikeRust's Avatar
ILikeRust ILikeRust is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 2,202
Thanks: 2
Thanked 23 Times in 21 Posts
Are they required to be approved by the Coast Guard? Or must they simply meet the regulatory requirements?

I.e., if you're a running light manufacturer, is there a mechanism for submitting a sample of your light to the Coast Guard and they check it and issue an approval? Or is it simply a matter of making sure your light meets the visibility requirements that USCG has established?
__________________
- Bill T.
- Richmond, VA

Relentless pursuer of lost causes
Reply With Quote
  #16   IP: 216.115.121.240
Old 07-13-2011, 05:48 PM
lat 64's Avatar
lat 64 lat 64 is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,964
Thanks: 39
Thanked 240 Times in 157 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by sastanley View Post
Gentlemen, Great ideas, thanks.


Jerry, I had thought of that very issue with the fuel..I suggested we have a fresh jerry can of fuel available to completely bypass the fuel system..gravity feed right into the carb if necessary.

Save your back, just take a 1-gallon tank. It'll run for an hour on that!

Voltmeter, spare coil wire, wiring crimpers and connectors,....asprin.

R.
__________________
Whiskeyjack a '68 Columbia 36 rebuilt A-4 with 2:1

"Since when is napping doing nothing?"
Reply With Quote
  #17   IP: 38.102.16.112
Old 07-13-2011, 08:52 PM
Administrator's Avatar
Administrator Administrator is offline
MMI Webmaster
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chestertown, MD (Langford Creek)
Posts: 2,198
Thanks: 1,335
Thanked 365 Times in 182 Posts
Quote:
I.e., if you're a running light manufacturer, is there a mechanism for submitting a sample of your light to the Coast Guard and they check it and issue an approval? Or is it simply a matter of making sure your light meets the visibility requirements that USCG has established?
I don't recall for sure, but I think I remember reading that at one point LED's could be used for anchor lights, but not running lights.

I'll see if I can find that reference.

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #18   IP: 24.224.206.117
Old 07-13-2011, 09:38 PM
Mo's Avatar
Mo Mo is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax NS,
Posts: 4,470
Thanks: 292
Thanked 411 Times in 272 Posts
Smile

When LED lights first came on the market they weren't that bright. In recent years they have improved to provide light as well as incandescent lights. Attached is a West Marine video re: lighting. FWIW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xux700tM-e8
__________________
Mo

"Odyssey"
1976 C&C 30 MKI

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails.
...Sir William Arthur Ward.
Reply With Quote
  #19   IP: 71.79.250.101
Old 07-14-2011, 01:04 AM
msmith10's Avatar
msmith10 msmith10 is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 474
Thanks: 19
Thanked 62 Times in 46 Posts
There are LED running lights that meet Coast Guard specification. Actually, I don't believe the CG approves any running lights-- they simply write the standards and it is up to the manufacturer to comply and so certify. I think the big issue is putting LED bulbs into fixtures meant for incandescents. To my knowledge there are no manufacturers certifying that the replacement bulbs will comply with CG specifications, and they would have to do so for every type and brand of fixture you could use them in. Using LED replacement bulbs could potentially be a legal nightmare for you if you had a collision.
I replaced my lights last year with 2 mile LED fixtures. Originals were 1 mile and were deck mounted. Now they're up on the pulpit. Not only are they in a better position to be seen, they're much brighter-- and totally sealed and waterproof besides being a much smaller power drain.
The mounting locations used back in the 70's in the sides of the hull or on the deck would no longer meet current regulations because their visibility can be obscured when the boat heels. However, you can use these locations to replace a fixture that has gone bad. My viewpoint, though, is that these are not ideal locations from a visibility standpoint, and I'd rather move them and increase the chance that I'll be seen at night.
__________________
Mark Smith
1977 c&c30 Mk1 hailing from Port Clinton, Ohio
Reply With Quote
  #20   IP: 68.224.125.208
Old 07-14-2011, 10:17 AM
roadnsky's Avatar
roadnsky roadnsky is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Lake Mead, NV
Posts: 3,104
Thanks: 24
Thanked 467 Times in 309 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maurice View Post
Jerry That marina set-up you are on looks pretty good. You don't have to worry about a neighbouring boat to get off the dock...not bad at all. And nice job on the woodwork around those lights too!!
Thanks Mo.


This is in the manual/paperwork with the Nav Lights...
Approval Type - ABYC and NMMA
Length (LOA) Powerboats up to 65 Feet (20 meters) in length.

Additional Approval - USCG / IMO COL REG
Length (LOA) Powerboats over 165 Feet(50 meters) in length.

Approval Type - RINA (TA No. ELE69605CS)
Length (LOA) Powerboats up to 165 Feet(50 meters) in length.



They're the 2NM version. There is actually a 3NM too! I can't imagine how bright those must be.
In my sailing grounds, we have a pretty heavy evening traffic pattern in the summer months with people trying to beat the day's heat.
A lot of that traffic are big, very fast, power "rockets" and jet skis.
The prevailing wisdom around here is that you can't have too much or too bright a lighting system.
(Some have taken it to a level of ridiculous)
I do agree with trying to put them as high as possible and having them on the pulpit helps on my vessel.
A friend tells me he can spot my boat when it's out because of the distinctly bright nav lite signature.
__________________
-Jerry

'Lone Ranger'

1978 RANGER 30

Last edited by roadnsky; 07-14-2011 at 10:20 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #21   IP: 38.102.16.112
Old 07-14-2011, 10:41 AM
Administrator's Avatar
Administrator Administrator is offline
MMI Webmaster
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Chestertown, MD (Langford Creek)
Posts: 2,198
Thanks: 1,335
Thanked 365 Times in 182 Posts
I have an LED anchor light. It draws next to nothing, and is usually the brightest light in the anchorage. That, plus a distinctly bluish cast, makes it very easy to distinguish.

Bill
Reply With Quote
  #22   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 07-14-2011, 12:19 PM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,016
Thanks: 1,134
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
You & me both Bill...mine is still of the bluish hue as well, because I could not find a 'warm white' 360 degree BA-9 LED bulb. It is not technically USCG approved (although the Aquasignal Series 20 with the incandescent BA-9 bulb is). It draws 0.035 amps! I figure if the USCG wants to climb the stick and check the LED bulb, they are welcome to do so.

And, I do not know for sure, but I think it is like rigs & Bill T. said..the USCG writes the requirements/standards and the lighting manufacturer builds to those specs, but the CG doesn't actually "approve" them.

Not wired yet, but here is the stbd running light!
Attached Images
 
__________________
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif

Last edited by sastanley; 07-14-2011 at 12:22 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #23   IP: 24.224.206.117
Old 07-14-2011, 12:38 PM
Mo's Avatar
Mo Mo is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax NS,
Posts: 4,470
Thanks: 292
Thanked 411 Times in 272 Posts
This is what I have on the top of my stick. Seems to work well. I got it for $150 so that was a deal.


http://www.ahoycaptain.com/shop/lopolight_200-007.html
__________________
Mo

"Odyssey"
1976 C&C 30 MKI

The pessimist complains about the wind.
The optimist expects it to change.
The realist adjusts the sails.
...Sir William Arthur Ward.
Reply With Quote
  #24   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 07-14-2011, 12:42 PM
sastanley's Avatar
sastanley sastanley is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solomons, MD
Posts: 7,016
Thanks: 1,134
Thanked 600 Times in 442 Posts
Those lopolights are real nice..but $$$
__________________
-Shawn
"Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
"Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic3231_6.gif
Reply With Quote
  #25   IP: 72.45.54.12
Old 07-14-2011, 07:11 PM
TomG's Avatar
TomG TomG is offline
Afourian MVP Emeritus
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kent Island, MD
Posts: 656
Thanks: 73
Thanked 93 Times in 53 Posts
Shawn,

Could you post the source of those running lights? I have the same "shark eye" design and would love to upgrade the current incandescents.

Thanks!
__________________
Tom
"Patina"
1977 Tartan 30
Repowered with MMI A-4 2008
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.


Universal® is a registered trademark of Westerbeke Corporation

Copyright © 2004-2024 Moyer Marine Inc.

All Rights Reserved