[alberg30] A-4 Gasoline Fumes

[Rick Leach]

Ahoy!

First off, I'll second Dan S.'s urgent suggestion to determine the source of
the gasoline fumes.  Places to look would include: loose or leaky fittings,
chafed or cracked hoses, over-filled carb (from a stuck needle valve or
saturated float), or maybe a ruptured diaphragm on a mechanical fuel pump
(which will leak gasoline into the crankcase).  

Secondly, I have a quick question about the two cylinders that have low
compression: Are they adjacent to each other?  If so, there is a good chance
that the problem is only a leak in the head gasket between the two
cylinders.  Changing the head gasket on an Atomic Four is a relatively minor
task (depending on access). Have you tried the old trick of putting a
tablespoon of oil into the low compression cylinders through the spark plug
hole, rolling it over a few times and rechecking the compression?  If you
get a noticeable improvement in compression, it indicates a problem with
your rings...which would mean a considerably more involved repair.  

If money were no object, I'm sure we'd all have diesels by now.  But with a
little perseverance, regular maintenance and proper operating habits, an ol'
Atomic Four can be a safe, reliable and economical powerplant.

Cheers!

Rick Leach
Sugar Magnolia, #121

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Lorelei23 at AOL.com [SMTP:Lorelei23 at AOL.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, October 11, 2000 10:15 AM
> To:	alberg30 at egroups.com
> Subject:	[alberg30] Re:  waste holding tank
> 
> Hello Alberg 30 Owners:
> 
> I have a 1966 Alberg 30.  Can anyone give me information about placing a 
> waste holding tank?  size, where to place it?  type?
> 
> Also,  I live in central Florida so I have basically no concerns about 
> freezing water in my water tank.  However, I have seen some information
> about 
> "tank liners".  How is that done?  Is it recommended for my boat since I
> live 
> in a  mild climate?
> 
> Any suggestions for replacing that flip-up basin and hand pump in the
> head.  
> The pump is so old, I'm told it isn't made anymore.  
> 
> My boat has an Atomic 4 engine.  It runs great but I am told I should
> replace 
> it with a 
> diesel engine.  The A4 is old, two cylinders show low compression and it
> uses 
> a little oil but my main complaint is the smell of gas in the cabin/salon.
> 
> Any recommendations?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any input you can give me.  I'm a novice and this is
> my 
> first boat, but my education is well under way.
> 
> L. Hulsey 
> 
> 
> 

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