[Public-List] Atomic 4 engine problem?

[Gordon Laco]

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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