Simple Wiring Help?

[Robert O.]

Hello Afourians,

I am writing with hat-in-hand once again seeking advice on my recently purchased Atomic 4. I have it on a bench in my workshop and am ready to winterize as temps drop here in NH. The engine currently has no alternator and limited wiring. I want to start it briefly to take in anti-freeze but am not sure if I have things set-up correctly with the electric system. I have connected the positive battery cable to the starter solenoid main hub (and negative cable to the frame of the engine). I then connected the Moyer Marine "Remote Starter Switch" to the starter solenoid main hub and s terminal. The distributor and coil are wired together as are the coil and electric fuel pump. The oil presssure safety switch is also wired.

Is this enough to start and run the engine from an electrical perspective? The person I bought it from started it on a bench in front me, I am just having difficulty reproducing! So far the starter cranks but that is it. I have cranked 5 times / 4-5 seconds each time without success. It is also cold in my workshop, perhaps I also need to work the choke with greater skill. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appriciated!!!! Thanks so much.

Robert

[ndutton]

What I see missing is 12V+ to the small coil + terminal and the fuel pump. I recommend putting a switch in that feed so you can turn the engine off when you're done. The coil should be energized only when starting and running or you risk permanent damage.

[Robert O.]

Hi Neil,

Awesome! Thanks for the advice/info. So, I would be running wires from the main hub (+) on the starter solenoid to the small coil (+) terminal and electric fuel pump. Is the "small coil" different from the "coil" sorry a bit new at this. Thanks for the switch idea - super important.

Robert

[ndutton]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. There is only one coil and on its top there are 2 small terminal posts and the big output post in the middle. I'm talking about the small posts. One is identified as "+" and the other as "-". The only wire on the "-" post should be black from the distributor and please note, it is NOT a negative despite how it is marked. DO NOT connect a ground wire to it.

Run your new 12V+ wire from the big starter post to a switch, then from the other side of the switch to the small "+" post on top of the coil in addition to whatever wires are already connected there (you already said the fuel pump wire is connected there so it's good).

To start the engine pull full choke, give it a little throttle, turn on the switch you just wired in and push the starter button. After it starts adjust the throttle and feather the choke open to maintain smooth running. To stop the engine, turn off the new switch.

[Robert O.]

Hi Neil,

This is a huge help - thank you for the spelled out instructions! I am going to follow these steps today and hopefully get her started. I will reply back with an update this evening. Also, thanks for choke/throttle instructions - this will be the first time I start a larger engine with a carb!!

Fingures crossed!

Robert

[ndutton]

No cooling system means VERY limited run time. This is not an air cooled lawn mower engine.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Originally Posted by ndutton

No cooling system means VERY limited run time. This is not an air cooled lawn mower engine.

I've never winterized a boat engine in my life.
With that in mind if there is no water in the cooling system why winterize? Clue me in.

ex TRUE GRIT

[jimmienking@icloud.com]

Moyer’s wiring diagram has been very helpful for me.

https://moyermarine.com/wp-content/u...VEL_01_394.pdf

[Robert O.]

Hi everyone,

Neil - thanks again!!
John - thanks so much for the wiring diagram!

Jim,

When we bench tested the engine during the purchase process we were careful to draw freshwater into the raw water intake hose to test the cooling system and to keep the engine properly cooled while running. Some of this water is still likely caught in the block etc. It get's very cold here in NH so I am planning to complete at the least the anti-freeze step as recommended by MMI.

I have a freshwater bucket set-up filled by a garden hose/shut-off valve combo. The raw water intake hose from raw water pump dips into this bucket. After removing the thermostat and clamping off the bypass hose First, I will suck in five gallons of freshwater and rev as the bucket become empty. Then after removing/replacing the three engine drain plugs I will draw in antifreeze. Hopefully this will keep me safe through the winter

[JOHN COOKSON]

Here's a wiring diagram from my original A4 manual.
Hope it helps.

ex TRUE GRIT

[Robert O.]

Hi everyone,

First, so sorry I mixed-up Jim and John's names in my last post. John thanks for the orginal A4 wiring diagram. Great news, she roared to life yesterday after I followed the groups thoughts and advice. Thank you so much! Neil, the wire/switch over to the coil did the trick!! and it was fun to build my own little circut. The engine is now filled with antifreeze and safe for the winter. She is freshly rebuilt and I was happy to see how quickly the start-up went once things were wired correctly. 2-3 seconds of cranking max while I was adjusting the choke/throttle.

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks again for helping me through this. Also just wanted to say the wiring diagrams were also a huge help as I was trying to figure things out. Cheers to the group!

Robert
Cape Dory 25D
Alberg 30