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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>George, The following is my posted question to the
A4 list. I'm cc:'ing it to the A30 list as well. I'm open to advice from
anyone. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks in advance, Brian</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=timmins@optonline.net href="mailto:timmins@optonline.net">Brian and Elaine
Timmins</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=atomic4-list@sailnet.net
href="mailto:atomic4-list@sailnet.net">atomic4-list@sailnet.net</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Monday, May 28, 2001 7:55 AM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Cooling System</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Hi All,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> This is my first question post to this
list. I have been lurking (reading) for several months and I think this list is
great! I've even told several A4 owners to sign up. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> I've had my A4 in an Alberg 30 for
about 6 years now. I learned about Moyer's and Indigo's services almost
immediately and have updated my engine (Indigo products) and maintained my
engine (Moyer's newsletters, class, products) over these years, and it generally
runs great. I've only had a computer since Nov. '00 and been on this list since
late Dec.'00. Three years ago, over the winter, I stripped my engine down,
checked everything out, cleaned out all my water passages, replaced my manifold,
updated my cooling pump from a worn Jabsco to a rebuilt Oberdorfer M7, adjusted
my compression (two gaskets and a Moyer shim) to about 90-95, adjusted my
valves, etc. etc. The motor has been running great with 0 problems.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> My motor is salt water cooled and I do
a twice a year radiator flush/fresh water rinse to try to maintain a fairly
clean cooling system. This winter I re&re'd my water pump installing a new
impeller as routine maintenance (old one was OK still). I started it up will
still on land (hose into a bucket/engine drawing from bucket) and ran it for
quite a while. It warmed up and ran at about 130-140. No problem. When I went in
the water, I ran it for maybe 20 min. and again about 130-140. No problem. Two
days ago, I ran it again (in the slip) for about 1/2 hour and again 130-140. No
problem. Yesterday, I finally got out of my slip and motored at 1500
RPM about 1/2 hour to a friend's moorage. Going into his harbor, I checked
the Temp. gauge and found it up around (just under) 180`. When I slowed down to
idle in the harbor, it gradually cooled down to 130-140 again. Upon leaving the
harbor @ 1500 RPM (I top out at about 1900 RPM) it again warmed up to about
180. I shut down and sailed for a while. Rolling fog caused me to return to
my slip about an hour later. I sailed back to my marina and started up while
lowering my sails. The motor ran for about 15 min., mostly at or just above
idle. Once back in my slip, I checked and again 130-140.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> While doing the major
maintenance three years ago, I noticed my Thermostat cover's bypass nub was worn
(corroded) away. I had Moyer rebuild it with his drill it out and weld in a pipe
nipple fix. This winter, I had it off again to clean my (3 year old) Holley
thermostat. Thermostat cleaned up easily in white vinegar and functioned fine in
heated/ boiling fresh water. I did notice that the tip of the welded in pipe
nipple was wearing pretty thin already.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Could this be my problem? With salt
water cooling, I don't want to approach 180`. My average runs are only about
15-20 mins to warm up and get out of the marina and get my sails up, usually at
or about idle. For the first time in several years my wife and I are planning a
vacation on the boat and usually that will include several days where the motor
is the prime mover. Several days at 180` is something I don't want to do. Should
I invest in a new thermostat housing? I hear somewhere (probably here) that
there is a cheaper after market housing available now. Does anyone have any
experience with it? Is it OK, as good as the original, better, or a piece of
crap, made from the wrong alloy and eventually a problem? Possibly, I'm missing
an idea as to the cause of the "over"heating.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Any comments or
advise? I'm a digest
subscriber so I only get the mailings once a day. This of course means that I
can't respond quickly to your ideas, input, or further questions. That is why I
got so long winded here. I think I've mentioned all the pertinent
history.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Thanks for any
help/suggestions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Brian Timmins A30 #497
"Free Spirit" Dead Horse Bay, New York</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><A
href="mailto:timmins@optonline.net">timmins@optonline.net</A>
direct to me if needed.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>