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View Full Version : FYI - Atomic 4 Maintenance & Repair Work shop



Rico
10-04-2007, 06:40 PM
I though this may be of interest and useful to those with an Atomic 4...
Maybe the gentleman can be persuaded to other locations for a group deal?

- I happen to be the proud owner of an original outboard model!

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/boa/439989352.html



Text below:

Atomic 4 Maintenance & Repair Work shop
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Reply to: sale-439989352@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-10-04, 11:04AM PDT

Atomic 4 Maintenance & Repair Class
November 11th (Sunday) or December 1st(Saturday except for holidays), At Marina Del Rey Ca

Do you own a sailboat with the venerable Atomic 4 (A4) on board but out of commission? Would you like to learn how to turn that crusty chunk of iron into something useful again? The Atomic 4 is a robust little engine that if properly brought back from the dead can provide years of useful service with proper maintenance. If you are planning on selling your sailboat in the near future, it is always easier to sell one with a functioning A4 and you will get a higher price for it as well.

Good mechanics are hard to find so why not start looking in the mirror? This workshop can provide you with the skills necessary for you to evaluate an engine that you are considering purchasing. If you have a feeble, cranky engine that is hard to start or runs rough this workshop can help you get to the bottom of the problem(s) and remedy them. These engines can be quite costly to repair and talented mechanics are usually very busy. Besides nothing takes the stress off of everyday life like wrenching. When your hands have to think, parts of the brain go on cruise control and soon all your external problems fade away....for a bit.

I am offering a 4 week workshop that will cover the maintenance and overhaul of all Atomic 4 engines (both early and late models). It is geared towards the novice but even more seasoned amateurs would get some new tips. The workshop will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of all the systems that are manifested in the A4 and this is not about magic but a thorough understanding of the underlying technology. No special talent is required. If you're reasonably literate (8th grade reading level), possess an opposing thumb and are serious about learning, you can wrench on your boat without fear.

Wrenching on an A4 is not just for guys, gals can do it just as good. What is needed is the technical understanding, how to work with tools, how to work with frozen, rusted fricking fastners, good work habits and good vendors.


About Me

I'm a semi-retired (depends on the price of gas) powersports and marine mechanic with over 15 years experience. I have worked on many types of toys from motorcycles/scooter, personal watercraft to 30' Carver Power Boats and many sailboats of varying dimensions and powerplants. My entire career has been involved in training younger mechanics of various educational backgrounds so I not only know how to fix them but more importantly I know how to break down the methods so others can understand them. This was part of my job as a service manager along with keeping the customers happy. I will provide weekly courseware the will illustrate various systems and topics covered. We will collectively dissect an A4 during class so you can a first hand understanding of all the components. Everything will be slice and dice and neatly presented so you will completely understand every aspect of what your engine needs to operate properly. We will be also using a workbook published by Moyer Marine. It is an excellent reference manual that will be of great use after the class.

Course Syllabus for Atomic 4 Marine Maintenance & Overhaul 101
4 Week Workshop 12:00pm - 5:00pm Lecture and Lab

Session [1]

Introduction
1.) Tools of the trade
2.) Safety Issues, hazards and how to safely extract the engine from the boat*
3.) Organizing your work
4.) Resources: Books, web sites, forums and vendors
5.) Basic overview of the 4 stroke gasoline internal combustion engine (Mechanical discussion and full tear down of engine)
6.) Diagnostics: compression test, leak down test, contaminated oil, air leaks, measuring and inspections. Unsticking valves, reseating and adjusting, dealing with severe corrosion and the trip to the machine shop plus much more...

Sesson [2]

1.) Fuel system: From the tank to the carburetor, discussion, demonstrations and hands on carb rebuild (yours or mine). Setting mixture.
2.) Ignition system: How the spark is created and distributed with discussion, trouble shooting of critical components of the ignition system

Session [3]

1.) Marine cooling system: Raw water vs fresh water system. How impellor pumps work and inspection, servicing of several popular brands used in the A4. Full discussion on servicing and trouble shooting the entire cooling system circuit.
2.) Exhaust sytem and water lift muffler and various configuration schemes.
3.) Lubrication system
4.) Transmission

Session [4]

1.) Electrical system
2.) Winterizing and scheduled maintenance
3.) Upgrades: electric fuel pump, electronic ignition, oil filter system, Temperature and oil pressure warning system
4.) Prepping engine for repainting
5.) Installation, alignment and break in.

Working on an A4 sometimes involves using certain specialty tools that can be costly and impractical to purchase on a one time basis. I will be offering reasonable tool rentals, including a mobile custom electric engine hoist for safely pulling the A4 from your boat. Don't risk your boom, your back or your boat in lifting these heavy little beasts out of your boat.

These classes will be offered on an ongoing basis so if you cannot make a certain workshop you can take a make up class without incurring any additional costs, when time permits.

Please contact me for tuition costs which are reasonable and for the availability of seatings as enrollment is limited.

Thanks for reading,


Location: Marina Del Rey Nov 11
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests