Messages

1

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Retrofitting gasoline Atomic 4

« on: December 30, 2015, 07:17:15 AM »

I am currently trying to find a replacement cable for my Pearson 323. I read Don Moyer's opinion that the stiff single strand wire is a better option than a multistrand.

My 32 ft  Pearson has 11 ft of choke cable. It really should be longer. My existing equipment has  a steel multi strand cable inside a nylon tube which is then wrapped in vinyl to minimize the friction and allows  a full range of operation even after bending around a wide radius. I have not found any replacement cables approximating the same combination of length, construction, quality and ease of operation found in the original cable, but the original one is damaged and worn out. The only replacements I can find are all wound steel around a stiff single strand wire.  I have experimented with those in the 12 ft to 15 ft range. Even when stretched out straight they are difficult to operate. Some guidance and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Gary
S/V Moondance

2

Engine and Drive Train / Re: Retrofitting gasoline Atomic 4

« on: December 28, 2015, 05:27:26 AM »

Hello again and thanks to everyone who contributed their time and thoughts to my A4 issues. Sorry it took so long to return. We did complete the engine swap.

As with most everything in life, timing is everything.  Some of the best advice we received was after we committed to a specific course of action. As Dolce Vita pointed out the "We" who determined the engine was bad was in large part the available mechanics of this area, but ultimately I took the mechanics advice to form my own opinions. I'm a capable but not an expert mechanic and new to boating, working in marinas on the docks, etc. Figuring out protocols and not getting myself in trouble over civil issues was all part of my concern. Looking back those concerns were warranted.

 The decision to swap engines vs repair was based on low oil pressure, low compression and the known and unknown history of this engine prior to our ownership..

Without the knowledge and experience of the good folks at Moyer Marine this would never have happened the way it did. I am grateful for their resources. Final cost including installation as close as I can figure: $8,977. $1200 of that was overcharges from a disreputable mechanic. This did not include my time off work.

The job was finished back in June but it's never really finished is it? 

Side note;
The sea trial involved 4 ft waves near shoals off of Bird Island, NC near the Little River, SC inlet during a full moon phase with an ebb tide. Did I mention my crew mate is prone to motion sickness? In spite of that, all was well with the world.

The new engine performed flawlessly for the 40 minutes to open ocean where we put Moondance through some testing for confidence's sake. Once convinced the engine would restart at will, we hoisted sail and enjoyed the favorable winds for the next hour and 1/2.

After securing the head and mainsails we restarted the engine with the inlet in sight and keeping a respectable distance from the shoals on the windward side. Once we were within 200 yards of the shoals demons within the engine compartment began shouting for my attention. I immediately shut down our shiny new pride and joy A4 to look for the possible cause of the grinding and crushing metal noises.

Couldn't find the cause so restarted the engine but it just wouldn't stay running for more than 3 or 4 seconds. It appeared to be fuel starvation. 24 hrs after being towed back to port I discovered a tightly packed spiders nest in the fuel tank vent. The new fuel pump had actually sucked in the sides of the metal fuel tank causing the crushing metal sound I heard over the sound of the running engine. There were no other issues. The engine has performed as expected since that day with 97 hrs on the Hobbs since then.

Now I'm looking to replace the choke cable. Finding one the proper length and quality has been a real challenge.
 

3

Plumbing and Galley Systems / Composting head

« on: August 30, 2015, 07:54:40 PM »

I recently viewed a thread by SeaHaven and Slacker(?) regarding composting heads. We've spent a lot of time and money trying to cure head odor and while improvements were made we're far from a cure.  Read a lot about these. Mostly good press. One really nagging question remains.

How do you clean the darn things? And I do mean clean, not empty. Ive seen lots of videos on emptying,  installing, etc. Not even a reference to actually cleaning one. Can someone whose been using one for a couple of months please weigh in on this?

Thanks

G

4

Engine and Drive Train / Retrofitting gasoline Atomic 4

« on: April 28, 2015, 06:11:20 AM »

1st post to this forum. Hello.

We have determined we need to replace our gasoline fueled Atomic 4. Like most others we prefer to complete the job in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.  I know I can get a completely overhauled A4 from Moyer Marine for around $5000 plus tax, shipping, installation and incidentals. Realistically $8,000 ballpark figure.

I have no emotional attachment to the A4 so would consider swapping for an available diesel but I understand that means new mounting, shaft, prop and who knows what else. I dont know where to begin looking for a replacement and dont know anyone personally who has completed such a retrofit.  Also we have limited competent mechanics in this area.

I would love to get some guidance here on practicality, cost, time and availability of replacements.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may offer.

Gary
S/V Moondance