Resurrected!

[nacra57]

She had been sitting, untouched, at the marina for 4 years.

After replacing the plugs, points, and condenser; our 1978 A4 roared to life!

There was no water coming out with the exhaust, so I assume a new impeller is required.

Any advice on this repair is welcome.

Thanks!

Cory
1978 C27
“Dirty Oar”

[Dave Neptune]

Gude Gneus

Cory, I would assume a new impeller is in the works even if the valve was shut off.
First pull the intake line off the pump to see that the feed is not plugged from sitting so long.

Dave Neptune

[Peter]

Cory,

Great news that the beast lives - wonderful feeling eh?

Do you have our hosts maintenance manual? If not get it and I think you would be well advised to perform a flush of the cooling system. It is quite likely that it is full of crud.

HTH,

Peter

[nacra57]

Thanks, guys. It was amazing to hear that beast fire up! I will definitely flush the system when I replace the impeller.

Regarding the shut off valve, where would it be on a C27? I looked, but couldn’t find one.

Cory
1978 C27
“Dirty Oar”

[Dave Neptune]

Cory, the valve should be on the "hull end" of the intake water line that goes to the water pump. Common practice is to close when the engine is off or being cranked as in trouble starting.

Dave Neptune

[nacra57]

Fuel tank

When I fired up the A4, I bypassed the old fuel tank and ran it off a small plastic fuel jug with fresh gas. My fear is that the original is heavily corroded. Should I scope the original tank or plan on replacing. Here is a
pic of the gas that came out...

[Dave Neptune]

Cory, the fuel does look odd but no debris or separation. Did you get that fuel from the "pick-up" that feeds the engine or did you snake a line to the bottom of the tank to get it. The bottom is where the KRAP will settle. The odd color could be from additives too. Do you know if any were added?

If you can drain from the bottom by snaking a line into the tank (not using the pick-up for the pump) draining may just be an option.

What type of material is the existing tank?

Dave Neptune

[nacra57]

It is a metal tank of some kind. I removed the fuel gauge and inserted a pump. I then pumped all of the contents into a 5 gallon plastic tank. I could hear the pump sucking out a little debris. Perhaps it is ok.

[nacra57]

It is a metal tank of some kind. I removed the fuel gauge and inserted a pump. I then pumped all of the contents into a 5 gallon plastic tank. I could hear the pump sucking out a little debris. Perhaps it is ok.

[Dave Neptune]

Is the tank "monel"? It is a bit grey in color and a magnet will barely stick compared to steel!

If it is monel (popular at the time) I'd try using it after draining.

Do you think you got the line from your pump to the lowest corner?

Dr Dutton may know what tanks were installed as he worked there during those years. Does it look to be the original tank?

Dave Neptune

[nacra57]

That sounds like my tank. I did get it to the lowest point. I pumped everything out.

After I swap the impeller this week, I will reattach the existing fuel line and give it a try.

I appreciate your help!

Cory
1978 C27

[TimBSmith]

Cory...coming late to your thread..scrape sampling tank and filtering old fuel...

I had read of several forum members that tested their tanks and filtered fuel in place to get an indication of tank and fuel condition. Here is the pumping and filtering system I was inspired to create from other contributors.

Gave me confidence to know what condition of tank and fuel upstream was and help with decision whether to clean further in place or even remove.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gmQ1qjXAa9DiAmvV9

Stay well, Tim

[nacra57]

Tim,

Thanks for the advice. I like the system that you set up. I will try and implement a similar one this weekend. I’m gonna be busy with impeller, oil change, and fuel tank diag!

Cory
1978 C27

[Dave Neptune]

Impeller pieces

Cory, when checking the pump impeller count the "veins" and be sure you get all of the impeller back. The broken off pieces if there are any are notorious for plugging "restricted" areas of flow, like the t-stat and "exit" fittings like the end of the manifold.

As this one sat for so long the "veins" may of stuck or dried out in the pump and broke off.

Where are you located? I'm also an ex multi-nut. Sailed with ORCA for a few years and even had a "C" class with a 70/30 wing sail. I got to sail on a couple of the "Bullet" series and many CSK's even Sea Smoke a couple of times. Now I am keeping my ears peeled for a ride on a big foiler.

Dave Neptune

[nacra57]

Still no water

Guys,

I finally made it out to the boat today and replaced the impeller. There is still no water coming out with the exhaust. When I had the pump apart, I should have opened the raw water valve and tested flow, but I didn’t. Since the boat has been sitting In the water for 4 years untouched, is it likely that the intake is clogged? What’s the best way to get this unclogged?

Thanks,

Cory
1978 C27