Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Engine and Drive Train

Retrofitting gasoline Atomic 4

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Moondance:
1st post to this forum. Hello.

We have determined we need to replace our gasoline fueled Atomic 4. Like most others we prefer to complete the job in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.  I know I can get a completely overhauled A4 from Moyer Marine for around $5000 plus tax, shipping, installation and incidentals. Realistically $8,000 ballpark figure.

I have no emotional attachment to the A4 so would consider swapping for an available diesel but I understand that means new mounting, shaft, prop and who knows what else. I dont know where to begin looking for a replacement and dont know anyone personally who has completed such a retrofit.  Also we have limited competent mechanics in this area.

I would love to get some guidance here on practicality, cost, time and availability of replacements.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may offer.

Gary
S/V Moondance

selene:
It is a tough decision. 

As you probably know, there would appear to be a preference amongst buyers for diesel; I am not sure I understand if there is a rational component to this, and have yet to see a truly convincing argument one way or the other.  Although I do not have an A4, I know others who do, and it is a reliable little workhorse, and for anybody familiar with gas engines straightforward to maintain.  So personally I won't enter the Diesel vs. gas debate.

As I understand it, you are correct, new mounting, shaft and prop at a minimum. Cutless bearing while you are at it.

One factor you may wish to consider is the offset of the prop shaft.  We had a lively discussion a while back trying to work this out, and understand the implications:
http://www.pearson323.com/forum/index.php/topic,282.0.html

It seems that in the factory diesels were offset to starboard, A4 to port. The purpose of the offset is to make it easy to remove the prop shaft (otherwise the skeg is in the way).  But depending on the rotation of the engine, the prop will either be a LH or a RH prop - which will either counter or exacerbate any propwalk you may have.

Final thought - regardless of your choice, build in some time while the engine is out to "redecorate" the engine compartment.  It is a great opportunity to inspect, repaint, and upgrade in a space which is otherwise a very tight fit! And you may want to consider a non-drip seal, easy to install when the shaft is out.

Good luck....

Libations Too:
Hello Gary, and welcome to the forum!

My two cents: Any engine replacement will be more straight forward and with less need to change other systems if the replacement engine is the same as the one being removed. You have identified some of the additional scope items that need to be addressed if changing to a different engine; the "who knows what else" is a real issue if you want to do the work efficiently and cost effectively.

The A4 offers the significant advantage that it is still available and parts are readily available. That cannot be said for the Volvo MD-11 diesel so a switch to a diesel would trigger some design as well as component challenges. I do know that some on this forum have replaced the Volvo diesel in the 323 with a Beta diesel, but I think that the switch to the Beta has also typically required removal of some of the liner structure below the sink and behind the companionway stair.

Knowing what I do about your specific boat, experience, and sailing objectives (which is admittedly very little) if I were you, I'd stick with the A4.

Sea Haven:
Welcome aboard!!

The little engine that could.....

I had no emotional attachment to the A4 myself when I acquired SEA HAVEN myself two season ago.

I now do.

I so love how I can work on this engine to the point of replacement!
FWIW, I'm wrapping up a complete Alternator/Starter/Gauge/Primary wiring replacement along with conversion to Electronic ignition from "points" as it was all original '78. Do the math for longevity!
I'M doing this, a nerd who barely changed the oil on his own car! Not the yard.

Libations Too says it all....but I do have to add I would not trade the customer service alone from Moyer Marine for all the "pro's" of diesel one can think of. Not knocking diesel owners, owned them myself, but ask yourself is conversion worth it? Is this the last boat you plan to own or will you eventually sell her?

Just my 30 horses.

""Sub" Ed

rbrtfeld:
MoonDance,

Great information from Selene, Libations Two and Sea Haven, as an owner of a MD 11 I can attest to the high price and difficulty of getting parts for the MD 11. On another note they are really hard to work on in the limited space available. Checking the oil is even hard if you haven't done it before. You are good right where you are at with the A4 set up. Even if you have to spend the $8,000 for a rebuilt A4, that is a bargain and much less than you would spend putting in a Diesel like the Beta.  In my opinion the big difference is the safety issues with Gas or Diesel. It is not even a argument that Gas is more dangerous on a boat than Diesel, but if you are careful and take all the safety measures to refuel and start you engine, I think it is no problem.  Good luck and fair winds, you are going to love the Pearson 323 when you get her going.
SV Rockstar

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