Atomic 4 Problems

[Melekai]

My Columbia 28 has an Atomic 4 engine that has failed because the fresh water jacket drained the coolant into the cylinders.

How should I proceed?

1) Try to rebuild

2) Relace the engine with another Atomic 4

3) Replce with a diesel

4) install an electric motor

5) Other

I would greatly appreciate your suggestions and comments.

Robert

[never monday]

hang an outboard, or go diesel

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Robert,
I too would go diesel. The smaller the better.
JohnL

[Chief Engineer]

Your location does not make this an easy answer.

Just beware of the "guy" who says that he has a direct diesel replacement for the A-4. While it may have the same footprint, keep in mind you will need a new fueltank, new fuel lines run and in some cases an enlarged exhaust system.

I work on A LOT of A-4's. If I were you I would go to www.moyermarine.com and get on the forums.

You say the freshwater jacket failed, how did you determine that, where is it leaking in?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

... If I were you I would go to www.moyermarine.com and get on the forums...

Don Moyer, of Moyer Marine Inc, is THE Atomic 4 guru.
Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Engine Rebuilding and Parts

Universal Atomic 4 Engine Information, including Parts, Owner’s, & Specifications:
Engines1 | Westerbeke, Universal, Marine Engines, AGM Batteries, Engine Controls Knowledgebase

Atomic 4 Manual:
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/atomic4manual/a4manual.htm


You might be interested in some of our previous Atomic 4 discussions:
Atomic 4 - Google Search

and

Atomic 4 ~ by Gerry Powlas
Good Old Boat: Atomic 4 Engines by Jerry Powlas

and

Checking the Basics of the Atomic 4 Engine ~ by Tom Averna
48° North - Most Requested Article

[mikereed100]

I would not be too quick to give up on the Atomic 4 as they are good engines and fixing what you've got will be the path of least resistance (and expense). Diesels are nice but it may be cheaper to buy another Columbia with a diesel than to install one in the boat you've got.

If you are determined to move on you might consider electric. Your boat is small enough that you could use any number of motors on the market. If you are just using the motor to get you in and out of the marina it could be just the thing.

By the way, welcome!

Mike

[imagine2frolic]

Most likely the bomb will be the cheapest way out, excluding an outboard. Atomics also known as Universal are whats in most forklifts..........i2f

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Robert,

I think I might have a head gasket for your engine in my spare parts bin somewhere.

Let me know when you want to tear into it.

J