Posted by Steve Kaminsky on October 16, 2003 at 19:19:04:
In Reply to: Fuel system posted by Dennis on 18:35:11 10/16/03:
Dennis,
My pleasure!
Don Moyer installed the kit on the engine as part of his rebuild procedure.
We are the 3rd owner's of our boat and we've had her since 1997. Since that time we have invested over 50 boat units on her (1 boat unit = $1,000).
The original owner requested the Atomic 4 from the factory. We looked into replacing it with a diesel but the $12,000 quotes we got for the conversion just didn't make sense.
After having the engine rebuilt by Don and installing all the other additions to it since then, I absolutely do not regret the decision to stick with the Atomic 4. It is a very simple, tough, reliable little engine that anyone with the desire and a little skill can work on -- the same can't be said about most diesels.
The Racor fuel filter would be my first addition and then I would add electronic igintion - it's absolutely the way to go...much easier starting, better performance and reliability (In My Humble Opinion).
Try to keep the engine clean and free of rust (very difficult to do in a salt water environment), change the oil at least every 50 hours of running.
The major problems are usually caused the lack of use by the owners. The engine sits most of the time and when it is used, it's just for a very short time - usually not even enough time to warm the engine properly.
Anyway, I could go on and on and on....
Take care,
Steve