Hi,
We have a 1978 Catalina 27' with an Atomic 4 Engine.
Our engine never has a problem starting up when cold. Like usual, when we first started her up a few weeks ago after she sat in the water all winter, she started up first try without a hitch. Similarly, when we first start her up to take her out for a sail, she starts up beautifully.
However, after sailing a few hours when we need to get her back into the narrow creek and marina, her engine cranks and cranks and won't turn over. This has been going on for several years now. And there are occasions when we especially need to have a very quick to start engine -- like when we're not paying attention and look up to see a container ship coming toward us.
Eventually after trying, then waiting, then trying, then waiting, etc., we have been fortunate enough to get her started in the past. But in these situations, a lot of times I've noticed that when she DOES start, she coughs a bit at first as if she's possibly flooded. But once she's started, then she's good to go -- she's a really good motor.
I co-own the boat with my boyfriend and he learned several years ago on this forum that if she doesn't start the first time, then to close the thru-hall until she does start. And we religiously do that.
Here are our questions:
Thanks!
We have a 1978 Catalina 27' with an Atomic 4 Engine.
Our engine never has a problem starting up when cold. Like usual, when we first started her up a few weeks ago after she sat in the water all winter, she started up first try without a hitch. Similarly, when we first start her up to take her out for a sail, she starts up beautifully.
However, after sailing a few hours when we need to get her back into the narrow creek and marina, her engine cranks and cranks and won't turn over. This has been going on for several years now. And there are occasions when we especially need to have a very quick to start engine -- like when we're not paying attention and look up to see a container ship coming toward us.
Eventually after trying, then waiting, then trying, then waiting, etc., we have been fortunate enough to get her started in the past. But in these situations, a lot of times I've noticed that when she DOES start, she coughs a bit at first as if she's possibly flooded. But once she's started, then she's good to go -- she's a really good motor.
I co-own the boat with my boyfriend and he learned several years ago on this forum that if she doesn't start the first time, then to close the thru-hall until she does start. And we religiously do that.
Here are our questions:
- Should we use choke or not after the engine is warm?
- What rule of thumb should we follow for starting... how much throttle... how much choke... how can we tell if we’re flooding the engine?
Thanks!
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