Is it shot?

[Unregistered]

My wife and I bought a Catalina 27 last year from an older gentlemen who had let the boat and atomic 4 sit for 3 years. We just let it sit for another year. When we bought it the Gentlemen told us the engine had been rebuilt before he let it sit. With all of that said, the engine will crank, but not start. I know one of my problems is a bad gas problem, but beyond that I had a local mechanic do a once over on the engine. We have spark, but our compression on all 4 cylinders is between 60 and 65 psi. Talking to some people around this area that "know" atomic 4's they have suggested that I pour about a teaspoon size amount of oil into the spark plug holes and crank the engine to see if the compression comes up. They stated that would tell me if I had a ring problem or not. If this was the case they suggested to give the good old Marvel Mystery Oil a try the same way.

So, I guess the question is should I do what the locals are telling me, or has this engine sat too long and is it shot?

[Don Moyer]

Your local advisors couldn’t be more correct!

After engines sit for several years, it’s not uncommon for them to have weak compression due to valves and rings being a bit sticky. Squirting Marvel Mystery Oil into each spark plug hole (5 or 6 squirts, aimed away from the manifold side of the engine), and adding 8 to 10 ounces in the gasoline will greatly assist in bringing the engine back to good health.

Don