A-4 poops its pants...

sailhog · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009

Just got back from a spectacular sail... However... shortly after leaving the dock, my A-4 starts making a "pinging" noise. The power quickly faded, but I kept going for another mile, as the conditions were just too nice. Had a spectacular sail out to the Atlantic, turned around, then fired up the A-4 about a mile from the dock. The pinging was still there, and it starts smoking after about 15 minutes of running. I added some Marvel Mystery Oil, which didn't do a damn thing. Temp was normal (158F, approx.), oil pressure normal. We made it home, but something is definitely wrong here. I haven't had time to look into it, but was wondering if anyone cared to hazard a guess...

Thanks, everyone.

US27inKS · #2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009

Check your compression first. I would guess you have a piston problem. On second thought, if you have a bad piston you should have a lot of blow-by in the crankcase. Pull the oil cap off and watch for pulsing pressure while running.

sailhog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009

John,
Thanks for the response... I'll do as you recommend and see what's going on. If it's a pistol problem, I would imagine that it will require pulling the engine. Probably shouldn't get ahead of myself here...
Thanks again.

jackytdunaway · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailhog

John,
Thanks for the response... I'll do as you recommend and see what's going on. If it's a pistol problem, I would imagine that it will require pulling the engine. Probably shouldn't get ahead of myself here...
Thanks again.

If it is a pistol problem there could be real trouble. We don't want any excuses for gun control.

sailhog · #5 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009

Jacky,
Is Wayne LaPierre a good A-4 mechanic?

jackytdunaway · #6 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009

I don't know if it is an air intake issue he can add some holes

timebandit · #7 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009

Try replacing the points and condenser.