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| Author |
Message |
    
Paul Domeier
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:29 am: | 
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Here's some more questions for you salty dogs:
When I was a kid in the 70's, I ate up every book in the library on small boat building and maintenance. One particular book on amateur boat building suggested for every design, the 25 HP "Universal Atomic Four."
At the time, I assumed the name was made up by the author, meaning to use any (universal) small engine that would fit the engine compartment. Now I know better.
When was the Atomic Four first manufactured? Is it still in production? Is it overhead valve? Is it diesel? Dry or wet sump? What type of ignition?
Looking at a photo on the Moyers website, it looks like a very old basic design that was cleaned up by enclosing the flywheel and giving it a closed crankcase.
Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks again in advance.
Paul Domeier
Vacaville, CA |
donwhite
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:41 am: |
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Paul, I live just down the road from you, In Jax.
Although I'm not a mariner, I enjoy "looking" over your'all's shoulders.
Try this website re the Atomic Four:
www.alberg30.org/maintenance/MechanicalPropulsion/Atomic4/
Don Whtie |
richarddurgee
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 02:25 pm: |
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Try this site
http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/Atomic_4_Eng_Service/History_of_the_Universal_Motor_Company_1.html
This discussion takes me back to the mid 1960's when I had finally gotten my very first new boat.
A Morgan 30' sloop with it's copper colored Universal 4 inboard eng. Sailed her up and down east and west coasts of Florida, anchored in the channel off Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortuga's,from the northern most Bahamian Isle (Walker's cay} down through the island chain to San Salvador, Mayaguana and down as far as The Turks & Caicos isles.
I recall one trip back from the isles the seas were so high that when the little vessel was at the bottom of the trough between these waves the sails would loose wind and slat, fired up the Atomic and motor sailed for 16 hrs, when finally entering the protected waters of Biscayne Bay the Atomic still purred as usual, It had never missed a beat.
Many superb working marine engs were built in this country over the years, the Atomic Four was one of them ! |
Dave Hereford
Visitor
| | Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 08:37 pm: |
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I am trying to find info on a 4 cyl Universal Power Plant I got at Goodwill. Engine model is AF-IND, ser# 51374, clutch model C-107-SP5. It has a Stromberg carb. (UR 3/4?) and is crank started with a magnito. The oil "pan" is cast iron & bolted to a cast iron base. It is complete with radiator, cowl and fuel tank but won't turn. Was probably used to run an irrigation pump. Any info on the engine or parts sources would be welcome. |
larry schwab
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, September 10, 2007 - 08:48 pm: |
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help Ihave a single cyc marine eng .sn 21560 in my hands. Its been well stored in a barn for a long time . complete .from flywheel to drive .from carb to s plug . HP 2 1/8 Need help with wiring. I not now if I need a mag or ???????. Need to now year ??? I have it tuning over ,and comp. Water pump works lots of fun.waterlog |
Chris Wacker
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, July 27, 2009 - 03:04 pm: |
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I have an Atomic 4 in my Tartan 30. If I don't start the engine at least once a week, I the valves will hang and I call a mechanic who comes by to free them up. What is the core problem? Why do they conitinue to stick?
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you |
David Grosse
Advanced Member
Username: davidg
Post Number: 35
Registered: 11-2010
| | Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2015 - 03:24 pm: |
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Hello Chris. I just came across this old post with no answer from anyone. I am glad that I was able to help you with the valve problems on your engine a couple years ago.
For those Atomic 4 owners who read your post and who don't know, the Atomic 4 needs to have regular oil changes, and it is recommended that about 6-8 oz of Marvel Mystery Oil be used with each oil change refill to help lubricate the valves.
Because the Atomic 4 gas engine does not have a dedicated oiling system for the valves, they rely on the oil mist inside the block for lubrication. If the oil gets old or dirty (there is no oil filter) the valves do not get oiled properly and begin to stick, with resulting loss of engine performance, or complete engine failure. |
ROY SMITH
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2016 - 03:40 pm: |
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I have UNIVERSAL 4 MODEL 5101 SERIAL NO 205486 can I get
parts HEAD GASKET ECT |
Robert
Senior Member
Username: robert
Post Number: 710
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2016 - 02:43 am: |
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If nowhere else Roy, try www.gasketstogo.com
Several people here have had good experiences with this company. The quality is said to be very good and prices reasonable. |
Michel Beaulieu
New member
Username: bn2kool4u
Post Number: 2
Registered: 10-2016
| | Posted on Friday, October 28, 2016 - 11:07 am: |
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Hi,
I have an Atomic 2 and what will probably be loads of questions...Anyone on this thread able to help? |
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