Hand starting an atomic 4

[Sailboatlarry]

Hey the boat is a mess so just ignore it! Here is my dear girlfriends first try at handstarting the boat. Her form is not perfect but i am still proud of her.

7a8f24bf.mp4 video by sailboatlarry - Photobucket

7a8f24bf.mp4 video by sailboatlarry - Photobucket

[scratchee]

Originally Posted by Sailboatlarry

...Her form is not perfect but i am still proud of her.

(Bites lip, struggles to keep it on-topic.) Where did you get that crank?

[Mobnets]

scratchee:
You can get the crank and all kinds of other Atomic-4 goodies and information at Moyer Marine.

Mobnets
1973 Paceship Chance 32/28 "Westwind"

[justified]

Wow she made that look super easy! Great Job. I never tried it when I had an A-4 , to be honest was a little nervous. Why did you do it with the water off?

Peter

[Squidd]

Didn't even notice the messy boat...

[Sailboatlarry]

I had the water off in case she didn't get it started. Cranking an atomic 4 without exhaust pressure could lead to water entering the block.

The crank came with the boat but Moyer does sell them. If you try this at home make sure you have a starting crank and not the mechanics crank!

[scratchee]

Originally Posted by Sailboatlarry

...Cranking an atomic 4 without exhaust pressure could lead to water entering the block.

I've been wondering about this. I've owned an Atomic 4 for a few months. I've used it a dozen or so times, and I've read a fair amount about care and maintenance (which is to say, I'm very far from an expert, but do have a little knowledge on the subject.) My impression based on reading (including the Moyer Marine forum) is that the possibility of water in the cylinders is somewhat remote under normal conditions. And normal conditions includes a few cranks before she starts up. I think I heard a guideline of something like 10 or 15 seconds of total cranking time before you should start to be concerned. Does anyone have information or advice to the contrary?

I would think that hand cranking would be much safer in this regard than normal battery starting. That said, I appreciate the video, as it reminded me that I want to get a crank for emergencies.

[Sailboatlarry]

I might be a bit paranoid after having water enter my crankcase last year from over cranking. Costing me several oil changes!
Now my SOP is water off when starting. after starting I always check to make sure I have water in my exhaust. It may not be what everyone tells you to do but it works for me.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by Sailboatlarry

Hey the boat is a mess so just ignore it! Here is my dear girlfriends first try at handstarting the boat. Her form is not perfect but i am still proud of her.

That girl has fabulous form. She's a little awkward when she cranks an engine over by hand though.

[BubbleheadMd]

I have the hand crank, but there is cabinet structure in front of the engine preventing me from using the hand crank. Hmmm.

Good to see how it's done though.