[Public-List] Atomic 4 water in the engine [was Re: atomic 4]

[Daniel Sternglass]

 > Message: 4
 > Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:50:20 -0400
 > From: Mike Lehman <Sail_505 at hotmail.com>
 > To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all"

Mike,

Two comments on your engine problem and the responses:

(1) I had to clear my engine of water after it filled with (fresh) water 
a few years ago. It was a joint-stupidity, a I forgot to re-connect a 
cooling hose with a path to the through-hull, and the normally highly 
expert guy who launched it failed to check the bilge before going to 
lunch. At least it was left in the slings, water almost up to the 
cushions in the cabin, big mess etc. At that time I learned from an 
experienced mechanic that, under my circumstances it would (and did!) 
take 6 or more oil changes to clear the milk-like oil/water mix. Run it 
only a 5-10 seconds on the first change, and a little longer after each. 
Not sure how much that would apply to your engine, but you can crank 
with the starter with the water disconnected, or it's OK if you only run 
it 10-20 seconds at a time, enough to circulate and mix up the goo so 
you can drain it. My fairly extensive experience with A-4 cooling 
problems has taught me that if the top of the cylinder head is <  about 
220F no damage will occur, except maybe to the water pump. So the old 
"lick your finger" and see if it steams has worked for me as an early 
warning for overheating problems while testing (in cases where the 
temperature gage is inop or there is no water flow).

(2) New Atomic-4 engine blocks, as well as built-up short blocks have 
just become available in the past month or two from Don Moyer at Moyer 
marine, so you do have some options if you have the ambition to rebuild, 
or transfer most of the engine accessories over the winter....

Don is very helpful when people call him, would definitely suggest you 
call before pulling the engine if you have questions not addressed on 
his bulletin boards.

www.moyermarine.com

I just finally finished solving a series of fuel system and intermittent 
ignition system problems, so I am hoping to get in some more sailing, 
only out 3 times so far this year...

Good luck!

--Dan S.
Watcher of the Skies, #201, 1966, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY

-- 
dans at stmktg.com
mobile: +1607-592-8012

Strategic Marketing Associates
403 Highgate Road
Ithaca, NY 14850