Generally, Chickadee’s old Atomic 4 engine has been running great. It is one of some 40,000 built for marine use over the many decades and half are still pushing boats! Good Old boat has a write up here. The Atomic 4 is a well proven concept of four smooth running cylinders on gasoline versus in this case what would be two banging diesel sleeves rattling your teeth out. At half throttle, Chickadee reaches hull speed easily. Still, long ago, back when it was warm, there seemed to be an occasional problem with the transmission (technically called a reversing gear). The prop, on occasion when asked to push forward, wouldn’t spin or did so weakly. Fortunately the solution wasn’t difficult, or so it seemed. The cockpit shifter’s linkage wasn’t throwing the “reversing gear’s” lever arm far enough to engage fully the prop shaft and engine. As luck would have it, while adjusting this travel range I elbowed the water lift exhaust hose. Chaos ensued. Water began spraying everywhere. The original iron pipe exhaust had crumbled and given way. Thankfully we were at the pier and not out cruising. After shutting the engine down and closing the thru-hull a harder look at the exhaust revealed all common black iron pipe and fittings. They weren’t at the big box stores, but Ferguson’s had the pieces to assemble a new exhaust.
After some wrestling, the new plumbing was installed and tested.
Hard to believe, but it will be warmer again, hopefully soon. There is a haul out for a few more projects to get Chickadee ready for the season. That first sail, as always, will be sublime.
Lingering Lunacy 