Recommendation for a Mechanic

[Dragonet323]

Could anyone recommend a mechanic that's in, or possibly would travel to the Central New Jersey (Raritan Bay) area? Much appreciated.

[TomG]

Dragon,

Welcome aboard.

I don't know of a mechanic in central Jersey, but you've got probably the best 100 A-4 mechanics (present company not included) in the world right here on this very forum (or very nearby in Don and Ken). Often with the A-4. seemingly vexing problems are easily solved by the knowledge bank freely offered on this forum.

What is it that you need a mechanic for do you think?

[joe_db]

Sadly in many areas marine "mechanics" will take one look and suggest buying a diesel. If there is no A4 specialist around, it might be better to track down antique engine mechanics. The A4 is much closer to a 1930s era boat or tractor engine than a modern EFI outboard or electronic common-rail diesel.
We have A4 mechanics here, but paying the shop rate to drive to NJ would end up costing more than a new engine.

[Bratina]

Dragon,

Welcome aboard.

I don't know of a mechanic in central Jersey, but you've got probably the best 100 A-4 mechanics (present company not included) in the world right here on this very forum (or very nearby in Don and Ken). Often with the A-4. seemingly vexing problems are easily solved by the knowledge bank freely offered on this forum.

What is it that you need a mechanic for do you think?

+100. I'd barely spun a wrench before I discovered this forum, and I've since turned a recalcitrant lump of truculent iron into a happy engine..

[JOHN COOKSON]

I'm Going To Take the Middle Road

You would be better off giving the forum a try. Let us work with you on the problem(s) you are having. Then if you decide the problem is outside your abilities, time, and knowledge to take on yourself you will have a better grasp of the details of the problem when you find a mechanic. You will be amazed if you stick with the forum how your knowledge level increases at an expediential rate. That is the way it was for me.
Speaking for myself if I ever have a problem with my engine or boat that I can't handle on my own I would certainly post in in the forum before I made a decision on the best way to proceed. These guys even rebuild rudders -can you believe that? Having said that this is a DIY forum.
Scroll down on the forum home page to discussion topics click on a topic. The start a new thread button will be on the upper left. You will not be belittled or made fun of for any question you ask no matter what your knowledge level of the A4 is. Hope to hear from you soon.

TRUE GRIT

[Dragonet323]

Thank You

I am beyond gratified by these thoughtful responses and offers to provide insight.

I've owned a Pearson 323 with a rebuilt Moyer A-4 since the 2011 season, and have developed a moderate level of competence maintaining the engine (i.e., winterizing, re-commissioning, impeller/thermostat/carb & fuel system maintenance).

My problem is a shortage of time.

However, I spoke with Don Moyer earlier this week by phone, and he was kind enough to give me several excellent tips to troubleshoot the problems I'm having, which likely deal with fuel-supply.

If his suggestions don't yield a prompt solution, I'll post a more detailed description of the situation, and solicit advice from all of you good samaritans.

Many thanks again.

[afsam94]

heart transplant

I need someone to do a total heart transplant: Rebuilt Moyer A4 to replace the unreliable 1971 A4 in my Grampian Sloop at any marina near Annapolis or Baltimore. Well that is what I THINK I need a mechanic for but I'm open to suggestion number 283 (yes replaced or rebuilt all fuel, oil, pump, gasket(including head), ignition, electrical, thermal, exhaust, cooling, and heat exchange components and pressure tested....multiple times).


I fixed years of water in the oil with a bottle of "Barrs Leak" cooling system repair much to Don Moyer's surprise as he's never seen that work. Three oil changes and no more chocolate milk! Yes runs fine right now. But even a novice like me ain't stupid enough to place total reliance on an $8 bottle of stuff off the shelf at Walmart to ensure a trouble free thousand nautical mile voyage down the ICW commencing later this month. Yes heart transplant would provide a measure of insurance because I believe I have a hairline crack in the block.

[Whippet]

water in oil

I've been there with water in oil. You shouldnt assume a block or manifold failure without a pressure test that will confirm. It may be water got in oil backing up through exhaust - or other - that was cleansed through oil changes.
Your can of gunk may not be the hero. Let us know if you need a hand with pressure test procedure. There are various posts on that.

(PS - please start a new post on the topic if there is more to come)

[afsam94]

Exhaust the source of water in Oil?

Yow. It's a jaw dropper for me that water could be from the exhaust because one mechanic just told me MY EXHAUST FALL IS INSUFFICIENT AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED WATER BACKING UP INTO THE LAST CYLINDER. Whippet where should I start a new thread? Note I have another thread seeking a mechanic Balt/Anap here in Good Guys

[joe_db]

I would try the exhaust section

[JOHN COOKSON]

Yow. It's a jaw dropper for me that water could be from the exhaust because one mechanic just told me MY EXHAUST FALL IS INSUFFICIENT AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED WATER BACKING UP INTO THE LAST CYLINDER.

My current bet is that the Barr's Leaks didn't fix anything. The apparent fix is coincidental and the exhaust system is where the problem is.
Yes, start a new thread and describe\take a picture of your exhaust. I'm sure someone in the forum will have a boat like your's to compair it to. We can start from there. Let's get the known problem fixed first then, if necessary, go on from there.

TRUE GRIT

[afsam94]

ok will start new thread in exhaust section

ok will start new thread in exhaust section