My Atomic 4 has been a pretty reliable engine. During the great "No Start Debacle" of Summer 06, it became increasingly apparent that the problem had more to do with me than the engine. Something about putting spark plug wires on in the correct order, who would have known archaic tidbits like that?
Anyway, during the Great Solo Adventure of 06, I motored out of the marina rather than sailed. As always beforehand, I ran the blower. The surveyor when I bought the boat gave me an interesting trick to smell the exhaust vent when you first start the blower to see if there is any fume buildup. He mentioned then that he had never heard of a boat exploding because of an A4, but that the blower is a really good idea just in case. Now, I've actually had boat brokers tell me that it isn't worth even looking at a boat with an A4 because "they blow up". That self-serving statement aside, there is a widely held belief that gas engines will eventually blow up your boat.
So, I've done some research thanks the The Miracle that is The Google (TMtiTG). Not one mention, in fact the first result from "Atomic 4" explosion has this quote "One fact that I heard a few weeks ago is there has never been a gas explosion for an Atomic 4". It takes until the 4th page to find a result that actually mentions an explosion rather than the risk of or avoidance of explosions. And then, when you read that result, they're talking about propane explosions, not Atomic 4 explosions.
So, I'll continue to run the blower, put the spark plug wires on in order (1 2 4 3), and enjoy my trusty A4.
4 comments:
Well, I feel better...
The danger of a gasoline vapor explosion is not entirely related to the type of engine. Gasoline can leak into the bilges from any place along the fuel line, the bottom of the tank, the fuel fill, the filter, etc. Gasoline vapor regardless of how it got into the bilge can and will explode a boat. I have seen the results at more than one marina in Florida and in the Caribbean.
This is classic...EVK4 bloglet is now the top Google result for "atomic 4" explosion.
People are a bit paranoid... yes, gasoline is far more volatile and explosive than diesel...but gasoline engines are perfectly safe if you take the proper precautions. A good bilge blower is part of the solution.
Propane is also an explosion hazard, but can be perfectly safe to use as well.
The main advantage of a diesel over a gasoline engine on a boat is fuel efficiency and simplicity. The fact that a diesel doesn't have as much electrical dependency can make it more reliable if the boat is a wet one.
Post a Comment