Petter AC1WM - Any other owners? Tips and tricks?

cd66312 · #1 07-09-2012

Hello, I recently purchased a boat with the Petter AC1WM 1 cylinder diesel. These were built some time in the early to late 70s and seem pretty rare in the 'states. This one has sat for a good 10 years or so without running though it was claimed at the time of purchase that PO rebuilt it. However this was a charity auction purchase and I have no way to contact actual PO.

I have her running pretty well after a long scare, turned out the fuel system just needed bleeding. I have oil filters and will be changing the oil today. Got a new impeller for the water pump. I installed a radiator flush kit in the water intake line to allow for running on the dry (she's a trailer sailer).

Anything else I should be looking out for before I can have the utmost faith in my engine?

NancySchwiesow · #2 07-10-2012

We've enjoyed our AC1WM in a Balboa 8.2 for about 15 years. It's been reliable and easy starting.

There are reprints of some of the manuals on the web if you don't have them. R.A. Mitchell in New Bedford MA has been very helpful with parts. Are you aware of the fuel overload lever for easier starting? I made a linkage to activate it via flexible cable to avoid the need for direct access to the engine while starting. I replaced the copper washers on the banjo fittings on the secondary fuel filter with Parker stat-o-seal washers to avoid diesel seepage. Check the exhaust elbow. Ours rusted out from the inside. I replaced it with one from a salvage engine I have, but need to find new ones for both engines soon. The fuel system is self bleeding. You can circulate fuel back to the tank by operating a lever on the fuel lift pump with a finger without turning over the engine. I fit a standard zinc pencil from Hamilton with 3/8-16 male thread into the Petter plug with 7/16-18 female threads by jamming the threads with solder. This avoided the expensive Petter replacement.

Ron

djodenda · #3 07-10-2012

I had one on my Catalina 27 in the mid 80's. Engine was reliable, except that the salt water got the aluminum head, which killed it...

I remember there were was a spring washer that created the seal between the fuel injector and the head. You were supposed to replace it any time you removed the injector. Might be good to have a few of those around.

Enjoy your engine. Sounded like the African Queen!

cd66312 · #4 07-12-2012

Man, these 8.2 owners are just coming out of the woodwork. I was nearly convinced I had the last remaining one! My exhaust elbow is patched up as well. I have not taken the head off to check for pitting as it runs pretty good as is. What are people doing to preserve the head?

cd66312 · #5 08-17-2012

Ok, stupid question here, where is the oil filter on this thing. I swear, I've looked everywhere.

NancySchwiesow · #6 01-14-2013

The oil filter is behind a cap on the lower left of the engine looking at the front. It's a bare cartridge type inserted in a horizontal well in the crankcase. Check some of the on-line manuals, if they're still there. There's a horizontal bolt with 1/2" head in the center of the cap for removal. I can order filter cartridges from my local NAPA store. NAPA 1629, Wix 51629.

Ron