Should this be happening

[ndutton]

If I were buying - or selling - an Atomic 4 the deal would require compression and water jacket pressure tests. Although no guaranty over the long term, they'll indicate immediate problems.

That said, I did neither with my spare engine. I figured since it was free and no shipping expense, where's the risk?

[Mo]

Hi,
I've been following this thread with a tad of interest to see where it goes. Personally, I'd just send the block out as it is and have someone re-sleave and do short rebuild to it.

It's too bad that your engine didn't work out but you need something that will get you home if worst comes to worst...may as well know what you have.

[The Garbone]

Stud thickness and block health

Ok, I have been avoiding working on the motor for a few weeks, instead opting to spend time on other things and just relaxing after I get home for work.

Last weekend Harbor Freight had a tent sale and I purchased a stud removal tool for the grand sum of $2.97.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-stud-extractor-69466.html

So now in possession of the proper tool I proceeded to remove said studs today.

Most of them have 4 or more threads remaining except for #2 on the water jacket side.



Is this indicative of a too thin block? Will it take a re-sleeve?

[Loki9]

That's normal for an A4. I found the same thing when I rebuilt my A4:

http://www.moyermarine.com//forums/showpost.php?p=39935&postcount=11

The studs protrude into the water jacket and thus the ends corrode away. You have three full threads there, so it could be used awhile longer. Of course, the best thing is to replace them while you have it all apart.

[fundysailor]

Along the same lines...

Found this discussion while looking for causes of water in the manifold. The intake manifold, in my case. Pulled the manifold off - it appears fine with no leaks apparent when tested off the engine. I did notice rust in the intake ports of the block, so guess the water is coming in via the block or head gasket? No sign of water in the oil, so guess that's good. Any thoughts on this? I'd pull the head off but seriously doubt the amount of rust on the bolts will make that very easy, or even possible without replacing a few studs.

[hanleyclifford]

If the manifold pressure tests for 20 psi start looking at the 3 studs that hold it to the block. They all go into the water chamber and should be sealed on the threads with Permatex #2 goo.