Happy in Storage

Looks like Rigel is going to spend a few more years in storage as the Navy has decided to send us to Hawaii. Here are some photos from our recent trip to Washington.

In Storage

Rigel is under covered storage in Anacortes until we return from duty overseas. Tucked in behind the Willys.

Haulout

Stepping the mast using a gin pole. Yard crane was out of commission.

Uneventful haul out to the trailer.

Teak rubrail

Varnish in sad condition.

Cetol light and black BoatLife.

Fixing seawater leak on Atomic 4 exhaust

The problem, interior corrosion build-up in exhaust manifold. Not enough threads in manifold exhaust coolant outlet to tighten down pipe fitting. Salt water leaks make a mess of cast iron.
When in doubt, pull it out and bring it to the workbench.
ugghh...
Hacksaw, pipe wrench and chisel make quick work of the pipe nipple.
Corrosion here too, quick cleanup to ensure exhaust gasket seals.
Used pipe thread tap to open up coolant outlet. Note that the drain port is completely blocked. A Dremel tool and wire coat hanger cleared it out.
A little fresh primer on manifold and hi-temp paint on exhaust pieces. Problem solved!

From Boats and Cars

Galley removal

Sailing Days

New fuel system components for Atomic 4

New pump and carburetor combined with fresh ignition components and she runs like a top!

From 1962 Pearson Triton

Need to fix that seawater leak.

Atomic 4 comes to life.

PO owned the boat for only 2 years.  The A4 ran for the first two months and then died on him. His solution was to bolt an outboard to her transom.  

Time for the clean gas, strong spark and good compression troubleshooting method that works with any internal combustion petrol engine.

Zero compression in 2 cylinders, and carburetor bowl was full of gunk.  No wonder she did not start for the PO.  Peering through the spark plug holes as I turned her over with the hand crank, it was clear that I had some valves stuck in the up position (open).

• Liberal application of Marvel Mystery oil into all 4 cylinders.
  
• Let it soak in overnight.
• Turned engine over manually many times with hand crank and coil disconnected.
  
• Used bent screwdriver to help valves move down and seat themselves.

Got "thumb" compression on all 4 cylinders.  Now, time to see if she will come to life.

• Fresh gas from portable outboard tank.
  
• Fully charged battery.
  
• New plugs, points, rotor and distributor cap.
  
• Double check all electrical connections.
  

Turned the key and she fired up after a few seconds.  HUGE cloud of black smoke belched out of her.  Big smile on my face.

More detailed explanation of my troubleshooting on the Moyer Marine forum here:

  Troubleshooting the A-4 

Move North

Moved Rigel from Bay Area to Anacortes, WA.

Gave the mast a once-over before re-stepping.

Snug in her new berth.