[Public-List] Atomic 4 engine problem?
Mike Lehman
mlehman at gmail.com
Tue Jan 16 06:10:19 PST 2018
...or a leak in the exhaust system
On Tue, Jan 16, 2018 at 9:09 AM, Gordon Laco via Public-List <
public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> Good morning –
>
> If a gasoline engine smells of fuel, it should be shut down till the leak
> is found. They should not smell. In an A4, fuel smell can come from
> either a leaking fuel line or an overflowing carburetor. The later is
> easily fixed... and should be dealt with promptly.
>
> Cheers –
>
> G
>
>
> On 2018-01-16, 9:02 AM, "Public-List on behalf of edward schroeder via
> Public-List" <public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org on behalf of
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>
> Thanks John for the valuable information. You mentioned "no smell".
> Our club also had a Cal 27 with a gasoline engine, I remembered going on
> cruises with new skippers and many would complain about the fuel smell, I
> don't remember who the engine manufacturer was.
> Ed Schroeder; formerly #303 "Emotional Rescue" before it went onto the
> Shedd Aquarium breakwater during a storm.
>
> On Monday, January 15, 2018 4:41 PM, John Brugeman via Public-List
> <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>
>
> Hull #305 (Mermaid) will be 50 yrs old this year with the original
> Atomic 4 engine. I am only the second owner in 50 yrs. This engine has
> been well taken care of over the years with oil changes, new fuel lines,
> annually new plugs, etc. and the engine is very quiet, does not smell like
> diesels do, and has been very reliable over the years in the Great Lakes.
> Other boats in our marina that have diesel engines seem to always have
> problems mostly related to fuel. I would never give up the Atomic 4 gas
> engine for the other.
> Capt. John B.Mermaid #305
> PS. They are also very east to work on.
>
> On Sunday, January 14, 2018 3:35 PM, mahseer--- via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>
>
> Totally agree with Gord. The A4 is no more dangerous than having
> propane and gas for your outboard motor. Use your Mk1 gas sniffer often if
> it goes off investigate immediately.
>
> John Boor
> Previous owner 380 with an A4
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Jan 14, 2018, at 10:05, Gordon Laco via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >
> > Good morning – Hello Edward.
> >
> > Well I’d say the cons attached to an A4 engine would be...
> > - Gasoline, which is a fuel which produces explosive vapours
> > - Reliance upon an electrical system for ignition
> > - Age of this type of engine (only a factor if a particular engine
> wasn’t looked after)
> > - Somewhat less range per given amount of fuel... about 3.5 litres
> per hour consumption is normal.
> >
> > And the pros are...
> > - Very smooth and quiet
> > - Loads of power
> > - Great reliability
> > - Inexpensive repairs and replacement if required.
> > - Bulletproof transmissions
> >
> > Cons for a diesel would be...
> > - somewhat greater weight per horsepower than for a gasoline engine
> > - greater incidence of odours.
> > - Dirtier exhaust
> > - Noisier and more vibration
> > - Can be more expensive to repair than an A4
> >
> > Pros would be...
> > - Chances are the engine is younger (but this may not be a factor if
> the engine was not looked after)
> > - Longer range per given amount of fuel... about one liter of fuel
> per hour is normal.
> > - Use of non-explosive vapour producing fuel.
> >
> > I think for most people the fuel/vapour issue is the most
> persuasive. So I’ll quote the fellow who was the chairman of the marine
> mechanics department at Georgian College’s marine school when I taught
> rigging etc there. “Gord, the greatest hoax played on sailors during the
> 1980’s was when they were taught they needed small diesels to replace their
> small gasoline inboards. Look after your Atomic IV and it will last
> decades. If anyone gives you grief about its fuel, ask them if they have
> propane in their boats. They’ll say yes, and you can reply with feeling
> that you’d NEVER have such a dangerous fuel in your boat”.
> >
> > So, I’m keeping my Atomic IV... and if it gets past the point where
> it needs replacing, I’ll get a rebuilt one from Moyer, or see if my old
> colleague from the College would take on rebuilding mine...
> >
> > I am confident that with sensible precautions, gasoline engines can
> be safely used. We always run our blower and use the Mk I gas sensor (my
> nose) before starting up. We keep our fuel hoses in good condition and the
> engine itself receives very inexpensive regular maintenance.
> >
> > Well there it is. I’m sure there will be opposing opinions... if
> anyone wants to debate this in person, come and see me at Booth 1757 at the
> Toronto International Boat Show. I’m here all week.
> >
> > Gord
> > #426 Surprise
> >
> > On 2018-01-14, 8:50 AM, "Public-List on behalf of edward schroeder
> via Public-List" <public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org on behalf of
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> >
> > All;Used to have hull 303?, "Emotional Rescue". Before I became
> boat manager for her, thru the club Sail Chicago, she had an Atomic 4
> engine. The club changed the engine to an Universal Westerbeke.
> > Our club, Sail Chicago, is considering buying a Catalina 30 that
> has an Atomic 4 engine; our 2 other cruisers both have diesels.
> > What are the pros and cons of a gasoline Atomic 4? Gordo, I
> believe that you and I had a written discussion on this subject about the
> same time you told me about your docent friend, Al Sorkin, on the
> "Surprise" in San Diego.
> > Thanks for any help anyone can give me. I must admit, I am
> reluctant to vote yes on this purchase.
> > Edward Schroeder
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--
Mike Lehman
~~~_/)_/)~~_/)~~~
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