Somebody thinks I know something about A4's..now I am an 'expert'!?!?

[sastanley]

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?

[ILikeRust]

Just remember, an expert is nothing more than a former drip under pressure (ex-spurt, get it?).

[Mo]

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.

[roadnsky]

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.

[Administrator]

Camera?

Bill

[roadnsky]

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)

[Administrator]

Hi, Jerry:

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

Bill

[lat 64]

Go for it!

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

[sastanley]

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!

[JOHN COOKSON]

Anything else I should add to my list?

A hand crank.

TRUE GRIT

[Bold Rascal]

Don't forget the Golden rule!

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

Get in there and represent!

[roadnsky]

HIJACK alert...

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!

[Administrator]

LED running lights have been approved by the Coast Guard?

Bill

[Mo]

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!!

[ILikeRust]

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?