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Atomic 4 Updates


This page contains newer information that I haven't merged into the Alberg 30 Atomic 4 maintenance page

Links

  • Captain Ron's Atomic 4 page has moved and gotten better.
  • Atomic 4 discussions are carried out on Usenet and SailNet. I highly recommend joining the Atomic 4 mailing list.
  • The Atomic 4 is apparently not based on the Jeep or Farmall or Cub Cadet, according to this account of the history by Robert Hess. Also available here.
  • Chris Wilson's photos of the Atomic 4
  • Don Moyer finally has a web site
  • Joe Palmer's Classic Sailboat site has an Atomic 4 comments and tips page.
  • Another place to check for Atomic 4 parts online, is here. (Caveat emptor; I don't know these people.)
  • Indigo Electronics is still a good source for certain Atomic 4 upgrades, including electronic ignition, oil filter, crankcase ventilation, fresh-water cooling and electric fuel pump.
  • In Annapolis, MD try:
    • Annapolis Napa, 1750 McGuckian Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-263-2695
    • Vosbury Marine & Recreation, 1656 Homewood Landing Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-757-3844
    There may be others.

Info

Much of this has been gleaned by listening to others. I'm also collecting rebuilding tips.
  • NAPA 1970 Volvo 4 cylinder wire set
  • Pep Boys wire set #1924 (1974 Volvo)
  • Volvo #875781-7 thermostat replaces Holley thermostat on newer engines if you put it on top of a 1/8" thick spacer (in the shape of the gasket).
  • Starter: (ref Kerry Edwards & Advance Auto Parts)
    • AC Delco (GM) 1107679
    • AC Delco remanufactured 323779
    • AGA 4149
  • Rings: (ref Thoma Kresge)
    Hastings Rings part #6520 (available +10, +20 or +30 oversize)
    HASTINGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    325 North Hanover, Hastings, Michigan 49058-1598 USA
    Phone: 616-945-2491 * Toll-Free Orders: 800-776-1088 * Fax : 800-837-2495
  • Coil (ref Captain Ron)
    • Standard Motor Products Incorporated, Blue Streak UC-15 with internal resistance (FOR MOST A-4 ENGINES). $32.78 at Discount Auto Parts.
    • Standard Motor Products Incorporated, Blue Streak UC-12 for use with with external resistor (not usually for A-4's*).

    They also make a UC-12T and a UC-15T which are less expensive but quality control is probably less. I have been told that the SMP UC-15 is comparable to a BorgWarner: E40BAP or a NAPA: IC64SB

    *I understand that the reason there is a is a coil made for use with an external resistor is so it can be wired into an starting/ignition system that by-passes the resistor only during starting, thus producing a hotter spark for easier starting.

    Since the Atomic Four engine was installed in about 40,000 boats, there may be a few around that are wired up this way, and they may still need the external resistance coil. The external resistor that I saw was a white ceramic block about 3/4" x 4" that is mounted on the engine room bulkhead.


Offshore Sailing book cover Offshore Sailing by Bill Seifert with Daniel Spurr

We went to a Windjammers lecture to hear Bill Seifert and I was impressed enough to buy the book on the spot. I've heard a lot of people talk about ways to improve a boat, but I've never heard one person suggest so many good ideas that I hadn't considered. Part of the charm is the specificity of the suggestions. Everyone says you should secure your floorboards, hatchboards and batteries. Bill shows good suggestions on how to do so.

The suggestions are very practical for the do-it-yourselfer, too. Many show how to make or adapt inexpensive solutions. Tip #12 on closing the deck blower vents is one that will pay off for me without ever going offshore. I'll implement that one to stop the wintertime storms from finding their way belowdecks.

Besides modifications, the book also includes advice for operating offshore, cooking, boat selection, dealing with bureaucracy, and more.

Bill Seifert has worked at Tartan, TPI, and Alden Yachts. He's a veteran of many Marion-Bermuda races and now runs his own yacht management company. His tips are born of experience--not of book-learning--and it shows. He obviously knows his stuff.

(Note: commissions earned from this link help defray the costs of this website)




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