Proud new owner

[jwilson1515]

Hello everyone… I am new to this site and new to the Atomic 4. I have always been a power boater with outboards, and I now have my first sailboat which is a 1972 Columbia 30 with its original engine. It appears to be in decent shape, but I really don’t know.

I have obviously come to the correct place regarding the Atomic 4 engine. I guess my biggest question at this point is what spare parts and tools should I carry on board? Any routine checks I should make prior to heading out?

I will be sailing and making overnight trips in Galveston Bay/Gulf of Mexico.

Thanks so much, this looks like a great site.
Cheers
John

[hanleyclifford]

The very first thing you should get is your personal copy of the Moyer Marine Engine Overhaul and Service Manual. Check the online catalog too for other interesting goodies. Welcome to the forum!

[roadnsky]

I guess my biggest question at this point is what spare parts and tools should I carry on board? Any routine checks I should make prior to heading out?

John-
Welcome to the forum.
As Henley says, #1, get the MMI Manual.

Here's a "check up" item list from Don...

1) It is obviously very important to check on the maintenance history of the engine if one is available. The maintenance history, along with the ability to talk with the prior owner, can add insight to the findings of the following checks.

2) Check the exterior of the engine for signs of deep rust or scaling. Be especially critical of the alternator side of the block. In some cases, seals around water jacket side plates develop leaks, and given the limited access to that side of the engine on many boats, these leaks can go undetected for long periods of time, and deep scaling can result. In a few cases (fortunately very few), blocks have had to be scrapped due to this scaling extending all the way through the block and into the crankcase.

3) The engine should be started and brought to a normal operating temperature of 160 to 170 degrees for raw water cooled engines, and approximately 180 to 190 degrees for fresh water cooled engines. It is best to run the engine in “forward” and under load. If you are checking the engine in the slip, it’s OK to simply pull against the dock lines. Check for any unusual noises. Atomic 4's are known for running rather quietly and smoothly.

4) Check for fluid leaks. Be especially critical of any evidence of gasoline around the carburetor or fuel lines.

5) Check for normal oil pressure of 30 to 40 psi by around 1500 RPM and 20 psi, or above, at idle.

6) Run the engine for a short time at maximum power to check for any unusual sounds, excessive smoke out of the exhaust, or fumes from blow-by in the cabin.

7) In neutral, the engine should accelerate quickly as you flick the throttle from idle to full throttle without hesitation. It’s important that you do not allow the engine to actually reach full RPM during this check. This is simply an acceleration check. The RPM never needs to go much above 2000.

8) Shut the engine down and check the compression as soon as you can remove the spark plugs without burning your fingers. The combustion chamber volume in the heads of in-service Atomic 4's vary considerably, and compression can therefore vary from as low as 85 psi to as high as 120 psi, with the average being around 100 psi. Compression readings should have a maximum spread within 5 or 10 psi.

9) While the spark plugs are removed, check for excessive carbon build-up or oiliness. Do not be too critical of a black velvet sootiness as long as the plugs are dry.

Also, check out these threads for spare parts list suggestions...
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208&highlight=spare+parts
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3035&highlight=spare+parts

Enjoy the new boat!

[Dave Neptune]

Welcome aboard, hopefully all goes well and you will learn by observing here and not busting knuckles:p.
Someone here can answer just about anything you will come across with the venerable A-4.

Good luck!
Dave Neptune:cool:

[thatch]

John,
I will second Hanley's suggestion that you buy Moyer's service manual. It is thick enough to contain all of the information you'll need and thin enough that you won't get bored reading it. The first accessory you should buy is the extended lower water pump bolt!
Tom

[agraziano23]

I second all of the above plus a membership to boatUS towing.:)

[jwilson1515]

Thanks for all of the replys. This is great stuff.

I will get a manual 1st thing. I am picking up the boat tomorrow and taking it from Clear Lake, TX to a place called Tiki Island near Galveston.

The seller is sailing with me to check me out on the boat.

Thanks again everyone.:D

[lat 64]

Hi,
Perhaps yoga lessons to help loosen up for those on-the-belly engine inspections.
It might also help you stay calm when you discover something broken. :o
My old Columbia 36 has a wonderful engine "room". it is gel-coated and roomy.
I hope you are that lucky. My point for this post is philosophical—get comfortable when working. Simply messing about on boats is my idea of fun.
Better than sitting here working on this #%@ing computer!
Oooh, did I say that out loud?
Sorry, guess I have some issues to work out.

Congrats on your "new" boat
Russ

[jwilson1515]

Lat64 - I am with you on that one

[lat 64]

I checked on the columbia web site(
http://www.columbia-yachts.com/
)
It seems you may have a vee-drive. If this is true, some of what we tell you will be from the other end so-to-speak.
Got any baby pictures yet?
R

[ndutton]

John,

Congrats on the Columbia. I actually worked at the Costa Mesa factory when your boat was built. My line built the Columbia 34, Coronado 30 and 35, your 30 was built on the line adjacent to mine. As I recall, it was one hot ticket back then.

I was thinking you might have a V-drive and Russ seems to confirm it. Would love to hear more about the boat and see some pics.

[sastanley]

Sweet..I love challenges! I do not know much about V-drives and I'd much rather help diagnose them than sitting at work in front of the PC like almost everyone else!!! :rolleyes:

Welcome! I took the week off and went sailing in dinghies My 'big' boat is on the hard. Easy, preventative maintenance is the key to these beauties.

[rigspelt]

Take some time to learn how to search the precious archives here. The forum search tool is very good. Use the advanced tool. Put a search term in the left box, and "Don Moyer" in the right box. If you can't find the answer that way or want to broaden the search, leave the right box empty to search all posters. Copy and paste answers into an electronic notebook for future reference, and there will be future need. I use Microsoft OneNote.

[jwilson1515]

Yep, this engine is a V-drive. Let me see if I can get some pics up. I am new at this so please forgive me if a mess it up.

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