[Public-List] Engine and Prop

[Gordon Laco]

BLOODY HELL!  Is nothing secret any longer?

Well what happened there was this.

We were happily motoring along when the engine stopped like someone had turned off the ignition.   What ho, thought I.   Hmm, perhaps a speck of dirt in the carb.   

Off came the carb, I took it apart, cleaned everything with solvent, put it back together and reinstalled it.   Tried the engine, nothing.

Hmm.   I pulled #1 plug and after insulating my hand with a rag (good thinking, eh?) had Caroline hit the starter.   No spark.

Well that makes sense.  If the problem was dirt in the carb, the engine would have sputtered a bit before conking out.  It must be electrical.  

So, I decided to check the easy stuff first... off come the spark plug leads one by one… all clean both ends.  Off comes the lead from the coil to the centre of the distributor… AHA!  The coil end was covered in corrosion and powder.  

A few swipes with my little brass brush and back in it went… engine started like nothing had happened and away we went.   Didn’t have to look at the points because I tried the easy stuff first… clever, no?

I’ve since replaced all the leads, which I think were originals.

So have you folks seen the photos of SURPRISE reefing her old mainsail while on a Misery Trip that George has on the Alberg30 website?  We were a couple miles out years ago when we where outbound… I had no idea my friend Ken Woods on Midland Point was taking pictures with his store-bought camera that was practically looking over my shoulder from that far away…   I guess I’ll have to bear all this surveillance in mind next time I get the urge to scratch my bum or whatever while sailing…. 


Gordon Laco
#426 Surprise




> On Jul 31, 2019, at 12:52 PM, Rod Symmes via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Oh, Rats !  I wasn't quick enough off the mark.  I was about to confirm the "dumbfounded" remark but then Gord got in his rebuttal before I could relate that he had been seen motoring on Friday about 2 miles out and then drifting in the steamer channel for about 30 minutes .  When the sound of head scratching and muttering in the bilge had gone on long enough I thought I had better go out and see what he needed.  Before I could get the oars in the locks Gord fired up the engine once more and roared off out the channel--- which, I guess proves Gord's contention that  <<  I very much like my A4 and have never yet not been able to resolve whatever is happening with it.  >>  given enough head scratching and muttering.
> 
> Cheers,     Rod
> 
> ~~~~_/) ~~~~~~~~~~
> ~~~~~~~_/) _/) ~~~~~~~
> ~~_/) ~~~~~~~~~~~~
> ________________________________
> From: Public-List <public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org> on behalf of Gordon Laco via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> Sent: July 31, 2019 9:53 AM
> To: Michael Connolly <crufone at comcast.net>; Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
> Cc: Gordon Laco <mainstay at csolve.net>
> Subject: Re: [Public-List] Engine and Prop
> 
> I agree with all except ‘dumbfounded’… I very much like my A4 and have never yet not been able to resolve whatever is happening with it.
> 
> Basic maintenance avoids nearly all potential issues.
> 
> Gordon Laco
> #426 Surprise
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 31, 2019, at 9:32 AM, Michael Connolly via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Ryan,
>> I know James Baldwin and his work. The quality of what he does is FIRST RATE. He
>> NEVER begins a conversion until he has a confirmed buyer. Then he finds a boat
>> and does the conversion. If you attempt to do a conversion and do not do a top
>> shelf job, forget ever reselling your boat. Outboards in Alberg 30's is a NICHE
>> market.......................a VERY small niche.
>> 
>> Atomic 4's are simple, reliable, and "Falling off a log" easy to keep running. Except for Gord who is often dumbfounded by them...................sorry Gord I couldn't resist.
>> 
>> My opinion keep the inboard unless you desire the characteristics of what the outboard offers.  Speak at length with James Baldwin and learn what is involved and what resulting handling to expect afterwards.
>> 
>> I would not think that the conversion is a less expensive route that fixing what you already have.
>> 
>> Michael #133........... Gray Marine Yeah!
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