Frequently Asked Questions: Ignition System

Parts and Services for the Universal Atomic 4 Engine
Parts: Phone: 717.625.3891 | 410.810.8921 | 717.625.1587 (fax)
Technical Service: Phone: 410.810.8920 | 410.810.8922 (fax)

FAQ: Ignition System

1. I am interested in going to an electronic ignition system. However, there is a lot to be said about a point system when it comes to diagnosing problems and stocking spare parts on board. Any reccomendations? What would I need to stock on board to be assured that I could get it back up and running if I had a failure? How dependable is the igniter system?

2. Removing and replacing a Prestolite distributor

3. Is it possible to reassemble a distributor's mechanical advance mechanism in reverse order? I have a later model (1974) Atomic 4.

4. If my early model engine got out of time, how do I reinstall the Prestolite distributor?

5. Installed new depth/speed instrument on my C&C 27 last summer. I experienced intermittent "cycling" of the instrument when the engine was running, especially after long periods. I think that the problem is radio noise from the alternator or ignition. Any suggestions on how to correct?

6. I tried to remove the spark plugs on my boat. It looked like the previous owner had not changed them in a long time. I soaked them with penetrating oil for several days. However one of them broke off in the head. The part with the threads is still in the head. I tried an easy out but was afraid it was going to break without any success. Do you have a suggestion?

7. What is the recommended spark plug for the Atomic 4?

8. What coil is recommended for the Atomic 4?

9. What would cause my engine to have no spark?

10. My alternator is shot and I'm thinking about replacing it. Do you have suggestions on an alternator for the Atomic 4?

11. What is "dwell angle", and how do I measure it?

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: 1. I am interested in going to an electronic ignition system. However, there is a lot to be said about a point system when it comes to diagnosing problems and stocking spare parts on board. Any reccomendations? What would I need to stock on board to be assured that I could get it back up and running if I had a failure? How dependable is the igniter system?; 2. Removing and replacing a Prestolite distributor; 3. Is it possible to reassemble a distributor's mechanical advance mechanism in reverse order? I have a later model (1974) Atomic 4.; 4. If my early model engine got out of time, how do I reinstall the Prestolite distributor?; 5. Installed new depth/speed instrument on my C&C 27 last summer. I experienced intermittent "cycling" of the instrument when the engine was running, especially after long periods. I think that the problem is radio noise from the alternator or ignition. Any suggestions on how to correct?; 6. I tried to remove the spark plugs on my boat. It looked like the previous owner had not changed them in a long time. I soaked them with penetrating oil for several days. However one of them broke off in the head. The part with the threads is still in the head. I tried an easy out but was afraid it was going to break without any success. Do you have a suggestion?; 7. What is the recommended spark plug for the Atomic 4?; 8. What coil is recommended for the Atomic 4?; 9. What would cause my engine to have no spark?; 10. My alternator is shot and I'm thinking about replacing it. Do you have suggestions on an alternator for the Atomic 4?; 11. What is "dwell angle", and how do I measure it?

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