atomic 4 thermostat question

cnc33voodoo · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

i have found that the previous owner of my boat was too brain dead to mention he forgot to put the t-stat back in and i tested the spare and its no good.
can anyone tell me what a fair price to pay should be as the only local guy who has it wants $280 for just the t-stat.
i also found excessive corrosion inside the housing so im planning to replace both.im just not sure if he has both as their buisness is on a reply to messages only system.
i checked moyer marine and their prices are a fraction of the local guy.
problem is im planning an excursion this weekend and they cant guarantee they can get it here in time.
is there an aftermarket part # i can use or if anyone can suggest a place that does overnight shipping.
anyone have a good used unit they want to sell me?
any help will be greatly apreciated.

nightowle · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

where are you located?

sailhog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

They ain't cheap:
Moyer Marine Online Store

cnc33voodoo · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

im in toronto,ontario,canada.
found a t-stat housing flange.$47.perfect.
no-go on the t-stat.
check this-the distributor for universal in ontario (westerbeke) sells the part for $150.
they are on back order.
in fact, everyone sells them for $150 in my area,but they all order from the distributor above mentioned as does the marine store that wants to grease me for $280.
im probably going to have to eat it and pay the $280.
my freinds took time off work so i just want everything together so i dont let everyone down.
it will cost more in beer and excuses.

sailhog · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

The link I sent you doesn't work... so try this: Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Engine Rebuilding and Parts and type in thermostat. I noticed different prices for late and early model engines. Looks like you should be able to save $100 minus the shipping...
Good luck.

Rockter · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

If it is only one week-end or two to wait for the cheaper version, then use the motor without the thermostat. It will run a bit cool, but it will survive.... it has for some time.
Do not pay anyone $280 for a thermostat.
Do not.

JimsCAL · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

You definitely can run the engine without the thermostat, but be careful. My Universal 5411 diesel is raw-water cooled like the Atomic Four, in fact I think it uses the same 140 degree thermostat. I once tried to run without one and it overheated. Seems that as the water heats up, the thermostat closes and forces more of the recirculating water out the exhaust. Without the restriction of the thermostat, the water just recirculates and gets hotter and hotter! Clamping the hose returning the water from the thermostat back to pump fixes the problem. In fact some A4 owners just put a valve in that line and control the temp manually.

djodenda · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

I agree that it won't hurt to run the engine cool for a bit longer. Your fuel economy will go down, but no significant short-term problems.

Do replace the thermostat, however, as it does cause long-term problems.

David

cnc33voodoo · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

i really have no choice as far as the $280 goes.all the other shops say they are on back order and it could be 3-4 weeks.and thats a maybe.
yeah, i know its a rip off but i just want it fixed properly so i dont have it lurking in the back of my mind.
plus, i think by the time i get the parts from moyer to my door the price will be the same with shipping and border transfer fees.
i just cant see how someone could charge that kind of money for a thermostat.i work for vw and the most expensive one we sell is $45.
ive worked on a few yanmar's and i think their most expensive one (3gm engine)is $80.i thought that was high.
the thing that gets me is tons of boats have these engines and even more have had them swapped out.
there should be tons of parts out there for these things.
last week i saw a complete a4 for sale on craigslist for $400.now the listing is gone.i should have bought it for parts.

cnc33voodoo · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimsCAL

You definitely can run the engine without the thermostat, but be careful. My Universal 5411 diesel is raw-water cooled like the Atomic Four, in fact I think it uses the same 140 degree thermostat. I once tried to run without one and it overheated. Seems that as the water heats up, the thermostat closes and forces more of the recirculating water out the exhaust. Without the restriction of the thermostat, the water just recirculates and gets hotter and hotter! Clamping the hose returning the water from the thermostat back to pump fixes the problem. In fact some A4 owners just put a valve in that line and control the temp manually.

im pretty sure i need to have one in as its not getting to operating temperature so its giving me stalling issues if i shut off the choke.
the engine runs fine but if the engine is idling and i shut the choke off it runs for 5-10 minutes then stalls.if i restart it stalls untill i pull the choke back on.
ive had this issue on cerbureted cars a couple times due to stuck open t-stats.