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I have the A4 in a 1978 Cal 2-27. Initially the engine was hard to start, but then ran fine when it did. Then it cut out while humming along, and ultimately it would not start again. My mechanic reported salt water in one or more of the cylinders, and a compression check showed zero compression in one cylinder. The mechanic sees this as catastrophic and is recommending replacement. He is also concerned that the cabinetry forward of the engine may need to come out because of the limited access. I'm ready to do what I need to but figured I'd check here for thoughts and advice. Thanks in advance.
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And one more thing: I have an opportunity to pick up a Gray Marine engine as a replacement. Anything I should know about the differences between the Gray and the A4? -
First, your A4 issues may not be "catastrophic" enough to require a replacement.
I'm not sure how much you've "surfed" this site; but I'd have to ask...
if you trade out your A4 for the Gray Marine will you have as much help and support available as there is here on this great site? As well as a ready supply of parts and service?
And if you don't want to do any of the work yourself, MMI can offer you a beautifully rebuilt A4 and you'll know it's good to go.
Of course, if you choose to do the work yourself there are lots of experts on the board who will readily lend advice. You just have to ask.
Obviously the choice is yours to make, but I would never trade my hard working, trusty A4!
-Jerry
'Lone Ranger'
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1978 RANGER 30Comment
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An added note...
I bought my boat last October and the engine was barely running. When it did.
Hard to start. Intermittent shut downs. Ran hot. Poor exhaust...
I am a total novice as a gearhead. I could just barely find the dipstick!
However, between this Community Board and the parts and support from MMI (thanks again Ken!) I have had her running smooth and strong since December. Not a hint of an issue since then and I've put 40 plus hours on that iron horse since the new year. It's also a great feeling of confidence now to have a more complete knowledge of my engine.
Just give it some TLC and it'll repay you with years of service...-Jerry
'Lone Ranger'
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1978 RANGER 30Comment
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Can you help us determine if the water in the combustion chambers may have come in because you cranked the engine for a long time trying to restart the engine with the raw water through-hull open? If this is the case, the water in the combustion chambers and zero compression from a stuck valve could both be an effect of the engine stopping for some other reason and not the cause of anything.
Unless you can slip a bent screwdriver in through the spark plug hole and free the valve, you may have to remove the head to free the valve, after which you can troubleshoot for the presence of spark and fuel to determine why the engine will not start.
DonComment
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Don - Thanks for your quick response - you run a great service here. There was a lot of cranking with the engine cooling water full on. However, for a variety of reasons it is more likely I'm going to go the replacement route rather than take on a repair problem. I would, however, appreciate views on the differences between the A4 and the Marine Engine. Thanks!Comment
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Dibs on the perfectly good, but wet A4
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Deja Vu
Wow,
This sounds like me a year ago. New nothing about A4 repair.
Water in the engine cylinders and oil. Dead engine.
Swapped out for a newly rebuilt. Since then have done water pump replacement, packing gland adjustment, fuel filter and pump work.
With this community site, and Don and Ken on the telephone, you can repair it yourself. Many people have!Rick Powers
Palo Alto, CA
1976 Catalina 27Comment
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compression issue
I had encountered a failure in the double walled exhaust pipe on my A4 and water ran back down into the cylinders. I sailed the boat back 20 miles into her slip and pulled the head the next day. I was able to clean the head, replace gaskets and of course the exhaust and save the engine. This was over ten years ago. I'm sure you can save your A4.Comment
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Unfortunately, other than seeing a few postings from Gray Marine owners (mostly looking for parts) on our Forum, I have no experience with the Gray Marine engine.Originally posted by bstevenso View Post
DonComment
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I expect that the Gray engine that you are considering is a bit different in size and will require the engine beds, mounts, and/or shaft to be modified, a fairly complicated and difficult undertaking.
On the other hand, fixing an A4 may not be that demanding, depending on what is wrong. Might be prudent to first determine what the problem with the A4 is then figure out if you can fix it. Good luck.Comment
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Take a look at my blog.
Click on the photobucket link and select the "Moteur" album. You'll see how far you can bring back an old A4 from.
Almost every one at the marina told me i should throw it away and by a new diesel.
Cant wait to see there face when i show it to them next week.
Specialy to those guys who paid BIG dollars for a diesel retrofit.
Cost me about $2500 canadian dollars to do it.Comment
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