Hello all,
I think I would reiterate what a few have said here, but the diagnostics are as
follows:
1). If the engine is making no noise whatsoever when the pushbutton switch is
depressed, check the switch first. You should be able to do this by jumping
the contacts momentarily. I had a switch fail, and its pretty easy to find a
replacement. Based on your description, I would not expect a hydrolock, but of
course, its best to close the seacock until you can get the engine running so
you don't suck water into the engine. Jump other places as needed to confirm
the issue.
2). As for it dying there are two issues to suspect. First is the coil. When
the get hot, they can fail, and then allow you to restart at another time.
That has nothing to do with the engine not turning over, though (of course).
The second, and also very high on potential failure issues is the combination
of points & condenser. After 10+ years of owning our 1977 C&C 27 MKIII, I
converted it to electronic ignition by ordering the parts from Moyer Marine.
When I got done adding up the cost of points, condenser, cap & rotor, a couple
changes and it almost equaled the cost of the Moyer conversion. It was VERY
easy to install, and the reliability of the motor jumped 100%. No more
overheated coils, burned distributor caps, and even the plugs ran a lot
cleaner. Just the ability to rely on the engine to a much greater extent was
worth the money. Crank the engine with a plug out, stuck in the plug wire cap
and grounded to the engine, and if you don't have spark, its definitely an
ignition issue. If the coil is oily on the outside (or is cracked), then
definitely replace the coil as a first step. By the way the coils and even the
points & condensers can normally be found at an auto parts store - look up the
conversions online, or if you can't find them, email me and I can probably get
them for you.
3). Dying can also be caused by a carburetor problem, most likely a clogged
jet. The carburetor is again, VERY easy to overhaul, and if you are gentle
taking it apart, you can probably do it without replacing any of the gaskets in
a pinch. I did so for years, and never had to buy new gaskets, but of course
others here might criticize me for not doing so. Again, this would have
nothing to do with the engine not turning over.
Don Moyer's A-4 manual is also highly recommended. It's not cheap, but between
the well written descriptions and the photos, its a real lifesaver (much better
than the Yanmar manufacturer manuals IMHO).
Feel free to drop me an email directly or call my number below if you need more
info.
Kindest Regards,
Bruce Whitmore
(847) 404-5092 (mobile)
bwhitm...@sbcglobal.net
From: Michael Cotton via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
To: Jeffrey Nelson via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: Michael Cotton <mpc51...@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2017 8:40 PM
Subject: Re: Stus-List A4 Cutting Out
I had an ignition coil fail on my A4. It would start and run then cut out.
Sometimes restart sometimes not. A coil replacement corrected the problem.
On Monday, September 18, 2017, 5:38:28 PM MDT, Jeffrey Nelson via CnC-List
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
Might try checking the ground on the engine. Mine had that problem a number
of years ago, taking it off and cleaning it up
solved the problem. Of course mine is a diesel and yours is gas, but I would
expect that the ground would be wired similarly.
Food for thought.
On 9/18/2017 8:15 PM, Randy Stafford via CnC-List wrote:
Hi Doug,
No noise whatsoever when I pushed the starter button. It was as if there
wasn’t enough current to activate the starter, but the batteries *did* have
enough charge at the time.
Cheers, Randy
On Sep 18, 2017, at 3:08 PM, svpegasus38 via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
wrote:
Randy, Are you getting any noise out of starter (click) when trying to start?
Even if you are hydro locked you should hear a click at the starter solenoid if
electrics are good. Check the coil for cracks, check points and condenser, or
electronic pick-up, ignition switch for loose/bad connections. Good luck.
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device Doug Mountjoy POYC Pegasus (for sale)
Lf38 Rebecca Leah LF39
-------- Original message -------- From: Randal Stafford via CnC-List
<cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Date: 9/18/17 07:29 (GMT-08:00) To:
cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Randal Stafford <randy.staff...@comcast.net>
Subject: Stus-List A4 Cutting Out
Listers-
I’m having a problem with my Atomic 4, and hoped you might have some thoughts
to share.
When I went out for a sail yesterday, she started right up, as always. But
then she cut out heading away from the marina. Initially I suspected a fuel
flow problem, as the petcock on the tank has become difficult to turn. After
ensuring the petcock was in the open position and the tank was full, she
started right up again and ran smoothly for a good 10 minutes. Then she cut
out again, and wouldn’t start back up after some cranking. I sailed for a
couple hours anyway. When I tried to start her to come back in, nothing
happened when I pressed the starter button. I assumed my batteries didn’t have
enough amperage for the starter, after all the previous cranking, though my
other electronics were running fine. So I docked under sail power, pulled the
batteries, and brought them home to charge. They both tested at 12.7 volts and
83% charge when I put them on my charger. Now they’re both at 100% and 12.9
volts.
So I now suspect a faulty ignition circuit, and possibly a faulty starter
circuit. Perhaps a loose connection or broken wire is having the same effect
as pushing in the ignition switch. I’ve yet to get into the lazarette and
start tracing the wiring and testing with a multimeter, but that’s my next
step. I thought I’d write the list first to see if anyone has any quick
hypotheses.
Thanks in Advance,
Randy Stafford
S/V Grenadine
C&C 301- #7
Ken Caryl, CO
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish
to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
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All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
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All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
--
Boat_SigCheers,
Jeff Nelson
Muir Caileag
C&C 30
Armdale Y.C.
Halifax
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
