learning to work on engines?

[jbarros]

Hi all,

I have an oppertunity to get into an otherwise nice boat with a non-functional Uinversal Atomic 4 gas engine. The boat is in San Francisco (actualy the california Delta) and I''m in Ventura Ca, and will require river and ocean sailing to get back to my home port. I realy think I need to know that I can make the engine work before I go up there on a limited time table (less than 1 month) to get the boat and get it down here for the rest of the stuff I want to do for her before going on an extended cruise.

So, anyone know where I can go to take a crash course in engine work? What I need to know going into a Universal engine specificly? or have any tips before I get in way over my head? When I go up, I need to get it, fix it, and get it back, I''m working a day job right now, and there''s no way I can commute to SF and back every weekend till it''s fixed.

Thanks :-)

-- James

[kimberlite]

there is a a-4 guru named moyer on the east coast and he has a vailable a very good book on the a-4 moyermarine.com.
check out his site. also look at atomic4.com
eric

[pirateofcapeann]

All right. We don’t know what’s wrong with the engine. It could be as simple as replacing the plugs or it could be that the thing’s a complete pile of rust. I doubt you’ll find any crash course that will teach you what you’ll need to know to handle every possibility in the allotted time frame. But local high schools usually offer adult education courses. You may be able to find a course that can give you a good overview of your motor, which is something all sailors should have anyway.

Even bolstered with information about motors, you may want to purse another option. A stout skiff with a strong outboard would act as a good yawl-boat to get you home, or at least into a more accessible location to get your motor serviced. It’s not that great of a deal as you’ll need the skiff anyway and having one that you know will do the job should the need again arise, will be a comfort.

Good luck and happy sailing!

Pi

[jklewissf]

Hi,

I have made the trip down the CA coast from SF to LA several times and would not even consider doing it without a well tested and reliable engine. Bolting in a new engine and taking off does not seem like a very good idea.

Have you looked into having the boat trucked down? It''s not always that expensive and that option would give you all the time you need to do the engine work and test it well before venturing too far from help.

[tsenator]

Don''t know if this is an option, but if you do get it running but feel a bit uncomfortable, you could invest in an outboard motor with a long shaft and something to attach it on the stern. It might just be something that can help in a pinch. sort of like piratesofcapanns post but without the skiff

[thefantasea]

Somehow, I''m reminded of the old adage, "Marry in haste; repent at leisure."