replacing universal atomic in '82 O'day

[dickybrewer5]

My Universal Atomic 4 is diesel not gas. I have all the original manuals for the boat and the original manual for this motor that was built into the boat. The fuel cap is labeled diesel only in very large obvious print molded into the cap. Universal made gas and diesel motors and mine is diesel. Thanks, Rick

[mgunning]

Rick,
Like Fordo, I also am thinking that the engine is a gas not diesel. Looking at the picture I am not sure, but do not recall there being a 4cyl Atomic diesel. There are diesels that are bolt pattern replacements for the A4. If it is a gas system, parts be will difficult to find but it should go easier to install. I am sure there are A4 sellers near you in WI.

Good luck with your project, your boat is well worth the effort.
Mike

[dickybrewer5]

Again I'll let you know. Universal made diesel and gas motor versions of the Atomic 4. Mine is DIESEL. I have the manuals for it and it has been run on diesel for 29 years. Just wanted to clarify that again. I know allot/most were gas but they also made diesel Atomic 4 motors. I already found an exact copy of this diesel version for sale with the exact footprint. Thanks, Rick

[pschoonveld]

There were some 4 cyl diesels made by Universal that were marketed as "Atomic 4".

History of the Universal Motor Company 4

dickybrewer: While potentially correct, referring to your engine as an "Atomic 4" is clearly creating confusion. I would recommend you ascertain exactly what model of Universal diesel you have (the Catalina link may help) and start there. Judging from the age, the models 54xx are likely matches.

Worst case scenario, call Moyer Marine and get a real Atomic 4. grin.

[dickybrewer5]

Hi and thanks for posting. My manual says "Universal Atomic 4" and on the inside it lists several models - the one circled for my boat is model 5432. Hope this helps any confusion people have. . The model 5432 is a "marinized" Kubota block apparently - and it is definitely diesel. I'm not sure why this one failed yet because I haven't taken it apart, but it sure was a nice motor until it failed. I'm wondering if the extended period of way below freezing temperatures we had a couple years ago had something to do with damaging the motor. Won't know until I pull it and find out for sure what the damage/problem is. Thanks to everyone who has offered info here. I cant wait to get a working motor onboard again so I can go out on the Pacific. Rick

[deniseO30]

My boat has an Atomic diesel also! Universal 5416,

[Semloh]

Did it seize up underway?

How long is your boat? Edit: Oh I see where you posted a long time ago and you say it's a 37 so the pic is wrong.

Everyone is responding based on the assumption that the pic posted earlier is similar to your boat.
If it is, what floor are talking about removing?

[dickybrewer5]

SEMLOH, I've tried to download my own pics but the file size accepted here is much smaller and I haven't had time to try to re-size photos. My boat is a 37 foot center cockpit sloop. I plan on doing some closer inspection to see if any off my cabinetry and sinks were meant to remove easily so the motor could come out through the galley area. There is an easy access to the motor through the aft cabin and crawling in the motor compartment and working on it prone is not too bad - it can be done - but the motor would not fit through that opening. I have been asking around if there is a specific method that O'day intended for the motor to come out. I plan on removing this motor piece by piece and then I'll know more - maybe it can be rebuilt. Also, yes, I was motoring when motor started to make knocking sounds and before I could get to the key it seized. I'm thinking it's a valve, but could also be a problem with the bottom end. Thanks for the query, Rich

[deniseO30]

Rich this thread on the catlina fourms may be of help. your engine has cylinder liners as mine does too. Tractor smart is a vendor that many have used. Universal M-25 XP = Kubota D 950

[dickybrewer5]

Denise, Thank you I'll check it out closely as soon as I have time. My company is keeping me extremely busy at the moment - which is good for getting money to put into my sailboat....