New member

[Funky cat]

Hello everyone, my name is Mike owner of a 1975 Catalina 30 aka funky cat.
I've owned the boat for 3 years and I am. Just now getting used to understanding the boat and its A4 engine. I love the boat a solid well taken care of boat with with lots of custom features. And its A4. I love its simplicity, growing up with working on old cars with points plugs and condensors. Except I've Had to change the oil every summer Now because of milky oil. Obviously water entering. The previous owner told me to make sure cooling water intake thru hull is closed before sailing on a starboard tack because water can siphon back into engine if #4 exhaust valve is open? But after an eight hour motor without wind I've had to change the oil again. Whats up? Also does anyone. Know if the reverseing band can be replaced with the motor in the boat?. Thanks any feedback on these issues would be appreciated

[Dave Neptune]

Mike, water can ingress a couple of ways other than the one you mentioned. It can get in if there is a breech in the manifold which is an easy pressure check across the two water fittings. The other is a failed head gasket which can be checked with a compression gage. There are a couple more but rare and a bit more catastrophic.

The reversing band is a rare piece to replace. A few "newbies" have thought it needs replacing because reverse won't "hold" in gear, reverse on the A-4 direct drives is only engaged by maintaining pressure on the shifter. If you relax the band loosens and reverse will slip. Hopefully this is your issue. Forward only has a detent lock to hold the clutches whereas reverse must be "held" in place to maintain driving force.

Dave Neptune

[ndutton]

Where is this boat located? Its location may have a direct impact on water incursion.

[Funky cat]

Water in oil

Neil, the boat is in a freshwater lake in Canada, I fail to understand what locations have to do if the system is working properly or not.

[ndutton]

Neil, the boat is in a freshwater lake in Canada, I fail to understand what locations have to do if the system is working properly or not.

If the boat is in the snow belt it brings in the very real possibility of improper winterizing and the resultant freeze damage. Based on your information a cooling system pressure test is indicated, preferably block and manifold separately. I wouldn't spend a second looking elsewhere until the engine passes this test.

[Funky cat]

Reverse. Gear

Dave. Thanks for your post. I have a issue with Reverseing gear adjusting. Nut. Mine won't budge, I've wrenched. On heavy equipment for most of my life and I understand the engineering on the reversing gear. I've broken the revering bar trying to adjust the band, mine will not turn in either direction. Mistery to me, short of heat l can't see away to get it to budge. I machined up a new bar but I'm cautious of putting to much pressure on the pin.

[Funky cat]

Water in oil

Neil, I ran plumbing antifreeze through entire system until it came Out the exhaust. I'm thinking that would be enough to winterize, Also how would I pressure test the two systems ? Thanks

[ndutton]

There's a description in the Testing Protocols category on the forum home page. It should have detailed instructions. Let's hope it passes the test.

[tenders]

Neil, I ran plumbing antifreeze through entire system until it came Out the exhaust. I'm thinking that would be enough to winterize, Also how would I pressure test the two systems ? Thanks

Unless the engine was hot and the thermostat was open, that didn’t get antifreeze into the engine.

[Mo]

Another possibility is water getting past the seal on the water pump. I have come across a couple of those over the past 10 years or so. Have you been adding grease to the water pump and giving it a turn once in a while?

[ndutton]

[Off topic]
Thanks for posting Mo. I was worried about you and the effects of Hurricane Kay.

[Mo]

[Off topic]
Thanks for posting Mo. I was worried about you and the effects of Hurricane Kay.

Just over a week ago Fiona wiped up our club. 11 sunk, 3 on beach, about 30 more damaged. Odyssey did fine, bent ladder and small paint chip. We are still cleaning up. Will need new marina for next year.