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The Universal Atomic 4 is a four-cylinder, 64.46 cubic inch (sometimes shown as 65 cubic inch), 30 horsepower (22 kW) gasoline engine produced by the Universal Motor Company between 1947 and 1984 for use as auxiliary power on sailboats. Over 40,000 of the engines were produced during that time, with an estimated 20,000 still in use today. This “workhorse” engine dominated the expanding sailboat market starting in the 1960’s. Between the years of 1965 and 1975 they were installed on up to 80% of new sailboats in the 25∼40 foot (7.6∼12 meter) range. Their longevity and reliability is proven by the fact that thousands of sailors still depend on this engine.
The Atomic Stevedore model was a detuned, slightly slower revving 18.5 horsepower engine derived from the more powerful 30hp Atomic 4 model. Both models were identical in most ways. The Atomic Stevedore was initially developed and marketed for Canadian lifeboat service.
History and Lineage
The Atomic 4 is descended from an earlier Universal Motor Company design called the Utility Four, which was used extensively in World War II by the United States Navy and allies to power the lifeboats for the ships, barges, and tankers of many navies and merchant marine fleets. The Utility Four model was displaced by the Atomic 4 in 1947.
Differences Between Early and Late Models
Most parts are interchangeable between early and late Atomic 4 (and Stevedore) model engines. However, a few parts (particularly some of those used in the fuel system, ignition system, and cooling system) are unique to early or late models.
If you have an original engine from the mid-seventies or later, with an oil fill tube over the flywheel housing in front of the engine, you can be reasonably sure that your engine will require parts used by all late model engines.
If your engine does not have an oil fill tube over the flywheel housing, it may require a mix of late and early model parts. You will therefore need the following information before ordering:
1. To order ignition parts (including the “Ignitor”), you will need to know if your distributor was manufactured by Delco (used on late model engines), or by Prestolite (used on early model engines). Prestolite distributors are distinctively smaller in size, and their condensers are mounted on the outside of the distributor housing.
2. To order cooling system parts, you will need to know if your engine has a thermostat housing (a small dome-shaped casting) located on the front corner of the head, nearest the starter. This thermostat housing would indicate that your engine has a late model cooling system.
3. To order carburetor parts, you will need to know if your carburetor is made of aluminum or cast iron. Aluminum carburetors were used on late model engines. All carburetors were manufactured by Zenith or Bendix, so the manufacturer does not help in determining your carburetor vintage.
4. To order gaskets, you will need to know (1) and (2) above, plus the shape of your transmission cover. Late model engines used a square cover, and early model engines used a rectangular cover with a curved top (“tombstone-shaped”).
5. Late model (Delco) starter ring gears have slightly smaller teeth than early model Prestolite ring gears. For this reason, Prestolite and Delco starters cannot be exchanged between early and late model engines unless the ring gear (or entire flywheel) is changed with them. In addition, late model ring gears have a slightly larger diameter than early models, so when moving a late model flywheel to an early model engine, either a late model housing will also have to be moved along with the flywheel or the six (6) small boss areas on the inside of an early model flywheel housing will have to be ground down. These boss areas are for the 1/4-20 bolts that hold the flywheel cover on, and they will have to be ground down almost to the bolt holes themselves.
From MoyerMarine.com.
Engine Features
Atomic 4 engine block with cylinder head removed, exposing side-valves.
Top End: The Atomic 4 engine is a type of side-valve design, referred to as an “L-Head” engine by Universal and commonly called a “Flat Head” engine. It has all the intake and exhaust valves located in the cylinder block alongside the cylinders rather then in the cylinder head as in the case of a valve-in-head, over-head-valve engine. The Atomic 4 valve train consists of four intake valves and four exhaust valves (one each per cylinder), eight valve return springs and eight tappets. This is much simpler then valve-in-head engines which also need rocker arms, push rods, and a large and heavy “ported” head.
From Wikipedia.
Like most side-valve type engines, the Atomic 4 has a very low compression ratio. This is due to the large area required above the side-valves for clearance when the valves are opened. While the engine would undoubtedly produce more power if “Intake Air Charged”, an air charger such as a supercharger or turbocharger is NOT recommended because of the Atomic 4’s somewhat “Weak-Bottom-End” described next.
Atomic 4 crankshaft with 2 main bearings.
Bottom End: Unlike most 4-cylinder inline engines which have 3 or 5 crankshaft main bearings, the Atomic 4 crankshaft has only two crankshaft main bearings, one at the front end (flywheel end) shown at the left end in the picture above, and one at the rear end. Instead of a main bearing in the middle (between #2 & #3 connecting rod journals) the crankshaft has just a counterweight that helps balance the crankshaft and maintain its stability. Because of this engine’s low compression ratio, low power output, and relatively low operating RPM, it does not develop very high loading of the crankshaft bearings and therefore normally never needed more than two crankshaft main bearings like other 4-cylinder inline marine engines. However, the lack of support for the middle of the crankshaft does make the Atomic 4 a poor candidate to “soup-up” for high performance service such as competition racing. Even in normal service, the Atomic 4 crankshaft can flex and even break when under high rotational, gyroscopic and/or inertial loads from the pistons, rods, crankshaft and flywheel such as in the case when a small vessel attains high speed in choppy water and pounds on the waves. More powerful 4-cylinder engines have as many as five crankshaft main bearings (One bearing at each end and one bearing between each cylinder) like the crankshaft shown directly below.
Detroit Diesel 4-cylinder crankshaft with 5 main bearings.
Lubrication: The Atomic 4 engine was equipped with pressurized lubrication to all crankshaft bearings (note the oil feed holes drilled into the crankshaft above). Unfortunately, it lacked an oil filter which would seem to be a worthwhile addition considering that the integral transmission runs in the engine lubricating oil and generates additional wear metals in the oil. A bypass type oil filter can easily be fitted to this engine. Some new engine blocks from “aftermarket” sources like Moyer Marine are machined to be fitted with full-flow type oil filters.
Cooling: Most Atomic 4 engines originally lacked fresh water cooling. Without fresh water cooling, the Atomic 4’s main castings have a limited service life. The standard raw water cooling system caused cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold casting breaches especially in salt water from simple “rust-thru” which has resulted in far too many Atomic 4’s being thrown away due to the resulting internal damage. Engines run in salt water would undoubtedly benefit from being fitted with a fresh water cooling system. Likewise, freeze damage to the engine’s castings resulting from a lack of proper winterization has also taken it’s toll of these engines. Fortunately, new engine blocks, cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds have become available from “aftermarket” sources like Moyer Marine.
Atomic 4 Head – Shows rust in the combustion chambers from salt water flooding in the engine.
Exhaust: The Atomic 4 was fitted with a 1¼” pipe thread plate at the end of the exhaust manifold for the engine installer to design and fit a proper exhaust system for the particular vessel. The exhaust system could be a “dry” system or a “wet” system depending on preference. Unfortunately, many exhaust systems were not designed, installed or maintained according to “Best Practices”, resulting in premature failure, often with disastrous results. Make sure that your engine’s exhaust has been properly designed, installed and maintained before it fails.
The exhaust mixing elbow shown below was poorly designed with a water discharge into the wet exhaust that also lacks a riser, allowing water to enter the engine through the exhaust valves under certain conditions including deceleration and extended idle, resulting in serious internal engine damage. See our article on Designing Proper Exhaust Systems.
Atomic 4 Exhaust with poorly designed water discharge in mixing elbow.
The engine’s exhaust system is one of the vessel’s systems that requires vigilant attention, however it is often the most neglected. Exhaust system components deteriorate rapidly. Make sure that your engine’s exhaust system is in good condition before it fails.
Broken exhaust mixing elbow weakened by serious salt water corrosion.
Toxic fumes, flooding bilges, flooded engines, and vessel fires are just a few of the serious, and sometimes fatal consequences of poor exhaust system design and lack of maintenance failures.
Loyal Following
Considering that very few of these engines have suffered failure from any inherent weakness, such as a manufacturer’s design deficiency, manufacturing fault, or defect in materials, its no wonder that this tough little motor has outlasted many of it’s critics and has gained a fiercely loyal following which can be ultimately attributed to it’s rugged simplicity and strength in numbers.
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Specifications For Universal Atomic 4 and Stevedore
4-Stroke Cycle Gasoline (Petrol) Marine Engines
TABLE KEY:
BASE ENGINE: Manufacturer/Vendor & Model of Base Engine followed by Specifications.
^ CYL: Cylinder Orientation & Configuration – (Dash w/no spaces) Number of Cylinders: (example: “V-8”)
^ ^ Cylinder Orientation: No Code = u… = Upright (Vertical).
^ ^ Cylinder Configuration: I = In-Line.
^ BORE & STROKE: …mm = Millimeters. …in = …” = Inches.
^ DISPLACEMENT = Swept Volume: …cc = Cubic Centimeters (cm³). …L = Liters. …ci = Cubic Inches (in³).
MODEL RATINGS: Base Engine Model, Vendor Rating Code, Duty Ratings, Power Ratings, etc.
^ A-F: Aspiration-Fueling: Intake Air uncharged or charged – Petrol or Diesel Fueling.
^ ^ Aspiration: N = Naturally Aspirated. T = Turbocharged.
^ ^ Petrol Fueling: C = Carbureted.
^ DR = Duty Ratings: See the Engine Duty Ratings Description at the end of the Table.
^ ^ ♦♦ = Highest Power Rating from Data Sources.
^ POWER: kW = Kilowatts. HP = Horsepower. HP = Brake Horsepower. MHP = Metric Horsepower.
^ RPM = Power Ratings @ Revolutions Per Minute.
^ YEARS: Beginning∼Ending. YYYY usually = Model Year. MM/YY = actual Month/Year.
^ DS = Data Source: Click DS Link to view DS. ♦♦♦ = Summary of Data Compiled from Multiple Sources.
^ ^ DS’s 1st Letter = Vendor’s 1st Letter (U = Universal). Wi = Wikipedia.
^ ^ DS’s 2nd Letter: …d = Directory. …w = Webpage. …c = Catalog. …b = Brochure. …s = SpecSheet.
Data: ⊗ = Data Not Available from Data Source. ¿… = …? = Data Unconfirmed/in Question.
HOW TO READ THIS TABLE
Each line displays the data available from the identified Data Source (DS). The data is displayed according to the Table Key above. Clicking on the Data Source Link will open a new window displaying that Data Source. Data Sources include Catalogs, Brochures, Ads, SpecSheets, Owners/OpManuals, Parts Catalogs, Shop Manuals and Articles. The Triple Diamond "♦♦♦" = Summary of data compiled from multiple Data Sources.
Keep in mind that Data can be inaccurate in the source material and sometimes, the source material may be illegible. We try to obtain the best source material available and we make corrections to the tables when needed. If you wish to point out an error or you can help us obtain good source materials, please let us know via email To: Editor♥EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♥" with "@")
BASE ENGINE: | ||||
UNIVERSAL | CYL | BORE | STROKE | DISPLACEMENT |
Atomic 4 | I-4 | 2 9/16 in* | 3 1/8 in | 64.46 ci** |
MODEL RATINGS: | ||||||||
UNIVERSAL | A-F | DR | kW | HP | MHP | RPM | YEARS | DS |
Atomic 4 | N-C | ♣♣ | 22 | 30 | ⊗ | 3500 | 1947∼1984 | ♦♦♦ |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 7.3 | ⊗ | 1000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 11.9 | ⊗ | 1500 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 16.2 | ⊗ | 2000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 20 | ⊗ | 2500 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 25 | ⊗ | 3000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 30 | ⊗ | 3500 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | 22 | 30 | ⊗ | ⊗ | 1947∼1984 | Wh1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 5 | ⊗ | 600 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 7.3 | ⊗ | 1000 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 11.9 | ⊗ | 1500 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 16.2 | ⊗ | 2000 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 20 | ⊗ | 2500 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 25 | ⊗ | 3000 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 30 | ⊗ | 3500 | 1949∼1984 | Wi |
NOTES: *The Universal brochure erroneously reports the engine’s cylinder bore as 2 9/15 in.
**Sometimes shown as 65 ci (rounded up).
BASE ENGINE: | ||||
UNIVERSAL | CYL | BORE | STROKE | DISPLACEMENT |
Atomic Stevedore | I-4 | 2 9/16 in* | 3 1/8 in | 64.46 ci** |
MODEL RATINGS: | ||||||||
UNIVERSAL | A-F | DR | kW | HP | MHP | RPM | YEARS | DS |
Atomic Stevedore*** | N-C | ♣♣ | 13.5 | 18.5 | ⊗ | 3000 | 1975?∼1984 | ♦♦♦ |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 7 | ⊗ | 1000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 11 | ⊗ | 1500 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 14.5 | ⊗ | 2000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | ⊗ | 17 | ⊗ | 2500 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | 13.5 | 18.5 | ⊗ | 3000 | ⊗∼⊗ | Ub1 |
^ | N-C | ⊗ | 13.5 | 18.5 | ⊗ | 3000 | 1975?∼1984 | Wh1 |
NOTES: *The Universal brochure erroneously reports the engine’s cylinder bore as 2 9/15 in.
**Sometimes shown as 65 ci (rounded up).
***The Atomic Stevedore model was a detuned, slightly slower revving 18.5 horsepower engine derived from the more powerful 30hp Atomic 4 model. Both models were basically identical. The Atomic Stevedore was initially developed and marketed for Canadian lifeboat service.
Atomic Stevedore: Model UJ – 5101 (direct drive) / UJR – 5102 (2:1 reduction gear) / UJVD – 5103 (V drive, 1:1, 1.29:1, 1.67:1, 2:1 reduction gear options). Available as Automatic. Model UJS – 5111 (direct drive), Model UJSR – 5112 (reduction drive), Model UJVD – 5113 (V drive),
GENERAL INFORMATION – Atomic Four:
L-Head. Compression Ratio: 6.3:1.
Engine Rotation: Counter-clockwise from flywheel end.
Firing Order: 1-2-4-3 (no. 1 on flywheel end).
Reduction Gear Ratio: 2.04:1 or direct 1:1 drive.
Maximum Operating Angle: ~15 degrees.
Fuel: regular leaded gasoline (will function on unleaded fuel with precautions including higher octane rated fuel, detuned ignition timing and lower propeller pitch). Gasoline containing ethanol may damage fuel system components.
Lubrication Oil: SAE 30.
If you can help us add information, specifications, data sources, etc. that we
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Universal Motor Company
Engine Duty Ratings
Marine:
C = Continuous: Power available continuously.
I = Intermittent: Power available for 1 hour out of 8 hours with low annual hours.
Cm = Commercial.
Pc = Pleasure Craft.
Product Documentation
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⇐ (arrow) = Document Creator is the vendor shown at the beginning of the title.
DS = Data Source for listed specifications.
DOCUMENTATION TYPE: | |
DOCUMENT TITLE – Products (Notes) — Creator – Source | DS |
Catalogs and Brochures: | ↓c/b↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Catalog – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –c– |
Universal Atomic 4 & Stevedore Auxiliary Sailboat Engines (800101) — Westerbeke | Ub1 |
^ Includes Specifications‚ Installation Dimensions‚ and Price List. | |
Ads: (Print Advertisements) | ↓a↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Ads – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –a– |
AdVids: (Advertisement Videos) | ↓av↓ |
ΞVendorΞ AdVids – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –av– |
SpecSheets: (Specification Sheets‚ Data Sheets‚ FactSheets) | ↓s↓ |
Included in Universal Atomic 4 & Stevedore Brochure above. | Wb4 |
Charts and Graphs: (Power & Torque Curves) | ↓g↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Chart/Graph – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –g– |
Pictures: | ↓x↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Picture (V |
–x– |
Press Releases: (by Date: = YYMMDD) | ↓pr↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Press Release (ΞDATEΞ) – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –pr– |
Model History: | ↓h↓ |
Westerbeke Propulsion Model History — Westerbeke. | Wh1 |
Serial Number Guides: (Date of Manufacture‚ Date Codes‚+) | ↓#↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Serial Number Guide – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –#– |
Installation Instructions: | ↓i↓ |
Westerbeke Installation Manual – Marine Engines & Generators – Diesel and Gasoline — Westerbeke. | Wi1 |
Installation Drawings with Dimensions: | ↓d↓ |
Included in Universal Atomic 4 & Stevedore Brochure above. | Wb1 |
OpManuals: (Owner's/Operator's Handbooks/Manuals) | ↓o↓ |
Universal Atomic 4 Operation and Maintenance Manual P/N 200156 80 pages — Westerbeke. | Wo1 |
Wo2 | |
Universal Atomic 4 Owner and Service Manual — L-36. | Wo2 |
universal Atomic 4 Owners Manual — L-36. | Wo3 |
universal Atomic 4 Transmission Manual — L-36. | Wo31 |
Parts Catalogs: (with Exploded Views & Parts Lists) | ↓p↓ |
Universal Atomic Four Parts List P/N 200150 — Westerbeke. | Wp1 |
Universal Atomic 4 Parts List — Westerbeke (From Moyer Marine). | Mp1 |
Universal Atomic 4 Parts Manual — L-36. | Wp2 |
Parts Bulletins: (by Date: YYMMDD) | ↓pb↓ |
Universal Superseded Parts List (August 2017) – Universal. | Upb1 |
Shop Manuals: (Repair/Service/Technical/Workshop Manuals) | ↓m↓ |
MMI Universal Atomic 4 Service and Overhaul Manual — Moyer Marine. | Mm1 |
Atomic 4 Owner and Service Manual — L-36. | Um1 |
Atomic 4 Transmission Manual — L-36.Um2 | |
Wiring Diagrams: | ↓w↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Wiring Diagram – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –w– |
TechVids: (Technical Videos: Service Training‚ etc.) | ↓v↓ |
ΞVendorΞ TechVids (ΞDATEΞ) – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –v– |
Service Bulletins: (by Date: YYMMDD) | ↓sb↓ |
Westerbeke SB#242 (040824) – Mfr Date Code — Westerbeke. | Wsb1 |
Westerbeke SB#227 (031027) – 180 Degree Thermostat Kit PN# 200468 — Westerbeke. | Wsb2 |
Westerbeke SB#238 (030228) – Fuel Pump Inlet Filter Part Number 048076 — Westerbeke. | Wsb3 |
Westerbeke SB#223 (960515) – Cylinder Head Gasket PN# 263776 — Westerbeke. | Wsb4 |
Westerbeke SB#155 (850621) – Keyswitch — Westerbeke. | Wsb5 |
Westerbeke SB#136 (840209) – Shift Lever — Westerbeke. | Wsb6 |
Westerbeke SB#125 (830814) – Oil Pressure Switches — Westerbeke. | Wsb7 |
Product Recalls: | ↓r↓ |
ΞVendorΞ Recall – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –r– |
Other Documentation: | ↓?↓ |
ΞVendorΞ ? – ΞProductsΞ (ΞNotesΞ) — ΞCreatorΞ – ΞSourceΞ | –?– |
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Supplemental Related Resources
Magazines: | |
48° North | W |
^ Atomic 4 Basics — Tom Averne – 48° North | WA |
Moyer Marine's Online Atomic 4 Newsletters — Moyer Marine | M |
^ Spring 2010: | M |
^ ^ Exhaust issues | MA |
^ ^ Oil Change Issues | MA |
^ ^ Spring Commissioning | MA |
^ Summer 2010: | M |
^ ^ Impeller issues | MA |
^ ^ Oil pump basics | MA |
^ ^ Engine Inspection Checklist | MA |
^ ^ Synthetic Oil and Wet Clutch Slippage | MA |
^ Winter 2010: | M |
^ ^ "Are you operating in a vacuum"? | MA |
^ ^ Tartan 30 and 34 standpipe mufflers | MA |
^ ^ 10 things you really don't want to do | MA |
^ Spring 2011: | M |
^ ^ Preventative Maintenance Program | MA |
^ Fall 2011: | M |
^ ^ Troubleshooting Concepts | MA |
^ ^ Fall Manifold Special! | MA |
^ ^ Setting your belt tension just got easier | MA |
^ ^ New split hub prop shaft couplings | MA |
^ Spring 2012: | M |
^ ^ Springtime startup issues | MA |
^ ^ Suggested Spare Parts and Tools for Cruising | MA |
^ Winter 2014: | M |
^ ^ Sudden and unexpected shutdowns | MA |
^ Winter 2017: | M |
^ ^ Introduction to induction | MA |
^ Winter 2018: | M |
^ ^ Understanding the Atomic 4 oil system | MA |
^ July 2018: | M |
^ ^ Understanding the Atomic 4 late model cooling bypass system | MA |
^ Special Announcement: | M |
^ ^ New Atomic 4 Blocks! | MA |
Websites: | |
Atomic 4 Serial Numbers by Year | FP |
Foley Engines: | W |
^ 34: Atomic 4 Carburetors and Pumps | WA |
^ 52: Solid State Ignition Kits | WA |
From Moyer Marine: | W |
^ Do I have an Early or Late Model Atomic 4? | WA |
^ Panoramic Views of an Atomic 4 | WA |
^ Carburetor Internal Pressure Regulation | WA |
^ Fuel-Related Engine Shutdowns | WA |
^ Water Jacket Side Plate – Some Comments | WA |
^ Erratic Oil Pressure | WA |
^ Understanding the Atomic 4 oil system | WA |
^ Elevated exhaust system back pressure | WA |
^ The Kaminsky Modification | WA |
^ |
WA |
^ Specialized tools we find essential | WA |
^ Accessory drive repair and modification | WA |
^ Critical items during rebuild | WA |
^ Late model carburetor tidbit | WA |
^ Understanding the late model bypass cooling system | WA |
^ |
WA |
Moyer Marine: (FAQ by Category) | W |
^ Do I have an Early or Late Model Atomic 4? | WA |
^ General Information | WA |
^ Ignition System | WA |
^ Fuel System | WA |
^ Oil System | WA |
^ Cooling System | WA |
^ Accessory Drive | WA |
^ Reversing Gear | WA |
^ Exhaust System | WA |
^ Propellers | WA |
ΞAdditionalΞRelatedΞResourcesΞ | Ξ |
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Universal Atomic 4
Sears Boat Motors: Motorgo, Waterwitch, Elgin, etc.
Chrysler & Force Outboards
Eska Outboard Motors
Allison Transmission
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Marine Surveyors by Country
American Marine Ltd (Grand Banks)
Boat Inspection (Types of Marine Surveys)
Boat Builders: (A∼Z) (w/Vessel Types, Locale & Years Active)
USCG NVIC 07-95 Guidance on Inspection, Repair and Maintenance of Wooden Hulls
American Boat and Yacht Counsel (ABYC)
Layout of the EverythingAboutBoats.org Website's Pages
— Types of Webpages —
This website consists almost entirely of 3 types of webpages as follows:
- TOPIC PAGES (See Main Topic Pages listed on Website Contents or the Right Sidebar) ⇒
- EXAMPLE: – WEBSITE CONTENTS w/Links to MAIN TOPIC & Subtopic Pages:
- EXAMPLE: 02 – BOAT BUILDING, OUTFITTING, REFITTING & REPAIR:
- EXAMPLE: 02.06 – Boat Equipment:
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08 – Propulsion Machinery:
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08.01 – Engines w/Directory of Vendors.
- VENDOR PAGES (Vendors of Products, Services, Events,+, Destinations & Media Creators)
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08.01 – ^ Ford Industrial Power Products Diesel Engines.
- PRODUCT PAGES (Equipment, Events, Media: pDoc, Books, Magazines, Videos, Websites,+)
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08.01 – ^ ^ Ford 2715E Diesel Engine.
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08.01 – ^ ^ Ford OpManual - 2710 Range Diesel Engines.
- EXAMPLE: 02.06.08.01 – ^ ^ Ford Service Manual - 2700 & 2710 Range Diesel Engines.
Clickable Links that lead to other webpages appear in Blue Text and usually open in a new window.
Links in the Right Sidebar and most directories open in the current window, not a new window.
Note in the examples above that these pages form a natural hierarchy.
The unnumbered "^" pages are listed alphabetically in most tables.
Media Titles in tables are distinguished by their smaller font size.
Media (Books, Magazines, Videos, Articles,+) are treated as Products.
Vendors' Product Documentation (pDoc) are considered Media.
Destinations & Media Creators are treated as Vendors.
All Website Pages are optimized for viewing on
full-width disktop computer monitors,
but can be viewed on phones.
— Contents of Webpages —
Website Pages typically contain the following Sections:
- PATH (Shows the chain of EAB pages w/links that lead to the page being viewed).
- EXAMPLE:
PATH: HOME, WEBSITE INDEX, WEBSITE CONTENTS » ∨
∧ BOAT BUILDING & REPAIR » Boat Equipment » Propulsion » Engines » ∨∨
∧∧ Ford, Ebro, American Diesel, AmMarine, Barr, Beta, Bomac, Bowman, Couach,
Lees, Lehman, Mermaid, Parsons, Renault, Sabre, Thornycroft, Wortham Blake »
∧ DO-IT-YOURSELF » DIY Boat Building & Repair » DIY Schools & Classes »
∧ MEDIA w/Creator Directory » Documentation, Books, Magazines, Videos, Websites » - (The "»" right pointing Guillemet symbol shows the chain through the page links.)
- (The "," comma between page links in the chain indicates pages are not subordinate, but are instead at the same level. See engine brands in the example above.)
- (The "∨", "∨∨", "∨∨∨",+ symbols indicate that the path line continues with whatever follows the "∧", "∧∧", "∧∧∧",+ symbols respectively. "∧" Precedes each MAIN TOPIC Page.)
- EXAMPLE:
- PAGE CONTENTS (Table of Contents with links to each main section on the page).
- PAGE BODY (The type of page determines the contents of its body as follows:).
- TOPIC PAGES (Topic Treatment: Introduction, Overview, Background, Details,+).
- (Many Topic Pages contain Directories of Vendors with Links).
- (Most Directory Listings are Alphabetical and/or by Locale).
- VENDOR PAGES (Vendor's Profile, Contact Information, Products, Services,+).
- (Manufacturers, Resellers, Refitters, Yards, Surveyors, Clubs, Schools, Authors,+).
- (Boating & Travel Destinations are treated as Vendors on their own Vendor Pages).
- PRODUCT PAGES (Product Features, Vendor Links, Specifications, Documentation,+).
- (Media created by a vendor is often treated as a Product on its own Product Page).
- (Boating & Travel Events are often treated as Products on their own Product Pages).
- TOPIC PAGES (Topic Treatment: Introduction, Overview, Background, Details,+).
- RELATED RESOURCES (Topics, Vendors, Products, Media: Books, Websites,+ with Links).
- PAGE TAIL Contains the following Anchors Aweigh Academy & EAB Website Features:
- The Anchors Aweigh Academy's EverythingAboutBoats.org Header.
- A link to our Featured Articles EAB Home Page.
- Top 20 Most Popular Articles. (The section that appears right above ⇑ this section).
- Layout of the EverythingAboutBoats.org Website's Pages. (This very section ⇐).
- Topics of Webpages. (The very next section below ⇓).
- What we have accomplished so far.
- Members must Sign-In to gain full access to Expanded Pages & Programs.
- Sign-Up (if not already a member).
- Public Comments (about the website & about this page).
- RIGHT SIDEBAR (Website Contents menu with links to Main Topic & Subtopic pages).
(On some smart phones, the Right Sidebar may appear at the bottom of the webpage)
— Topics of Webpages —
Website Pages are categorized under the following 16 MAIN TOPICS:
The MAIN TOPICS follow a natural progression from conception of the vessel thru its
building, marketing, survey, financing, insuring, transport, moorage, use and upkeep.
The MAIN TOPICS (all Caps) below are followed by their Main Subtopics with Links.
00 – HOME: CONTENTS, ABOUT EAB: Contact EAB, Abbreviations & Symbols, FAQ, GLOSSARY, ADs,+.
01 – ABOUT BOATS w/Museum Directory: Early History, Recent History, Modern Vessel Types,+.
02 – BOAT BUILDING, OUTFITTING, REFITTING & REPAIR: Materials, Equipment, Builders,+.
03 – BOAT MARKETING: Boat Shows, Dealers & Brokers, Importing & Exporting, Auctions & Sales,+.
04 – BOAT INSPECTION: Types of Marine Surveys, Marine Surveyors, Schools, DIY Inspections,+.
05 – BOAT TITLES & VESSEL REGISTRY: Boat Title & Registration, Vessel Registry, Title Co's,+.
06 – BOAT FINANCING: Conventional (Banks, Credit Unions,+), Unconventional (Creative),+.
07 – BOAT INSURANCE: Maritime & Recreational: Coverage, Carriers, Agents,+., Claim Processing,+.
08 – BOAT TRANSPORT: By Sea (Piggyback, Delivery Skippers & Crews, & Towing), Over-Land,+.
09 – BOAT HAULING & LAUNCHING: Drydocks, Ways, Lifts, Cranes & Hoists, Launch Ramps,+.
10 – BOAT MOORAGE & STORAGE: Builders, Anchorages, Marinas, Yards, Racks & Stacks,+.
11 – BOATING ORGANIZATIONS: Yacht Clubs & Sailing Clubs, Paddling Clubs, Boat Owners,+.
12 – BOATING & TRAVEL: Events, Destinations, Boat Rentals & Charters, Cruises, Voyages,+.
13 – BOATING & MARITIME EDUCATION: Recreational Seamanship, Ship's Master & Crew,+.
14 – MARINE LAWS & REGULATIONS: International & National Laws‚ Lawyers‚ Investigators‚+.
15 – DO-IT-YOURSELF: DIY Boat Building & Repair, DIY Boat Sales, DIY Boat Surveys, DIY Classes,+.
16 – MEDIA w/Creator Directory + Academy eLibrary: pDocs, Books, Magazines, Videos, Websites,+.
The above MAIN TOPICS and a more detailed listing of Subtopics
can be found on the Website Contents page and on the Right Sidebar.
An Alphabetical Index of the website can be accessed at Website Index.
What we have accomplished so far.
Anchors Aweigh Academy and its EverythingAboutBoats.org website.
- Published over 50,000 website pages about boats and boating, bringing us closer to reaching our goal of becoming "The ultimate reference resource about boats and ships for everyone from the beginning recreational boater to the seasoned professional mariner!"
- Published over 300 website main topic webpages, many with full articles on the topic. See our Website Contents or the Right Sidebar for the listing of the main topic pages.
- Published over 9,000 marine vendor webpages, all with their contact information, most with a description of their products and services, many with product documentation, specifications and independent reviews. (incl.: Boat designers, boat building tools, material and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, boat builders and dealers, yacht brokers, marine surveyors, boat insurers, boat transporters, skippers and crews, boatyards and marinas, yacht clubs, boat rentals and yacht charters, boating, seamanship and maritime schools, marine law attorneys and expert witnesses, boat refitters and repairers, book authors, magazine publishers, video producers, and website creators)
- Acquired over 120,000 pages of product documentation including Catalogs, Brochures, SpecSheets, Pictures, Serial Number Guides, Installation Manuals, OpManuals, Parts Catalogs, Parts Bulletins, Shop Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, Service Bulletins, and Recalls. And have made all viewable to Academy Members through our EAB website eLibrary.
- Acquired over 1,200 books and magazine back issues in our academy library and so far have made over 700 viewable to Academy Members through our EAB website eLibrary.
- Published over 500 DIY How-To articles about boat design, construction, inspection, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. We are working hard to do more.
We are currently formatting and polishing the Anchors Aweigh Academy online and hands-on courses. Our Marine Surveying course has proven to be excellent for both the beginner and the seasoned surveyor, and especially helpful to the Do-It-Yourselfer.
Current Academy Members must SIGN IN to gain FULL access to this
website including expanded pages and valuable Academy programs
like our Academy eLibrary and our Ask-An-Expert Program!
If your membership has expired, CLICK HERE to Renew.
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CLICK HERE to discover how you can become a Member and gain FULL access to
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Comments for Public Viewing
Submit any comments for public viewing via email To: Comments♥EverthingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♥" with "@")
Please remember to put this webpage's title in the subject line of your email.
All comments are moderated before they appear on this page. See Comment Rules.
General Comments About the Website
FROM Donald: "This is an awesome website. I found the information that I needed right away from one of the over 20,000 free articles that you provide as a public service. I'm surprised that so much if this site is free. But I still signed up so I could access the thousands of expanded pages, interesting articles, and dozens of valuable programs! The member's library of books, magazines and videos that I can view online is really terrific! I understand that you and your staff are all unpaid volunteers. Please keep up the good work. And I commend you for your plans to add another 10,000 free informative articles over the next year. I'm thrilled to support you in this endeavor with my small membership donation. Thanks again for all your hard work."
FROM Huey: "I agree with my Uncle, I too have found the articles to be very enlightening. They say that it will take about 100,000 articles to cover the full scope that they have envisioned for the website. They have over 20,000 articles so far and that's doing pretty well, but it could take several years to get the rest. I also noticed that many of the Main Topic Pages and some of the article pages are still in the rough draft stage. I guess that they will fill in as they can get volunteers to work on them. But what I can't figure out is why anyone would spend the time writing informative in depth articles just to give away free to this website for publication? What's in it for them?"
FROM Dewey: "Well Huey, to me It looks like most of the articles on this website are written by very informed people, like boating instructors, boat designers, boat builders, riggers, electricians, fitters, marine repair technicians and marine surveyors. Writing such articles helps establish them as knowledgeable professionals. After all, this website was originally created by a school for marine technicians and marine surveyors. The website is growing in content every day. They even had to move to a bigger, more powerful server because the website's traffic has been growing exponentially."
FROM Louie: "I agree with everyone above. This site is quickly becoming the ultimate reference resource about every aspect of boats and ships for everyone from the beginning recreational boater to the seasoned professional mariner. I use the topic pages on the right sidebar to browse around the website. It's like a Junior Woodchucks' Guidebook for Boaters. Their Members' Library of over 300 popular and obscure books and over 200 magazine back issues that can be viewed online is fabulous. The Academy's magazine is especially informative. On top of that, there is the "Ask-An-Expert program for members where you can get an expert's answer to any of your boat questions. And a whole years membership is only $25. What a deal! I really love being part of this "Everything About Boats" community and help provide thousands of helpful articles free to the public. I think that I'll sit down right now and write an article about my experiences boating with my uncle."
FROM Scrooge: "You rave about this website like it was the best thing since sliced bread. Well, I think it stinks. Sure, it has a lot of good information for boaters, and they're adding more every day, but it will probably never be finished. Furthermore, I don't even own a boat. And I wouldn't have a boat even if someone gave me one. Boats are a waste of money and time and energy and money! They're just a hole in the water you pour money into. If you gave me a boat, I'd sell it quicker then you could say Baggywrinkle. Then I'd lock up the cash with all my other money so I could keep my eye on it and count it every day. Bah humbug."
FROM Daisy: "I'm just so glad that Donald got the boat so we and the boys could enjoy boating — together. And of course all of the girls, April, May, and June, love to be on the water too, especially when that is where the boys are. Oh poor Scrooge, boating is more fun then you could possibly imagine."
FROM Scrooge: "After seeing how much fun you all have on the water together, I regret that I didn't have that much fun when I was young. I've had a change of heart, and I'm giving each of you a Lifetime Academy Membership."
FROM Editor: "For those of you that have stayed with us this far, many thanks, and we hope that you found this little narrative informative. Your faithful support inspires us to keep working on this phenomenal website. We know that we have a lot more to do. Ultimately, we hope that we can help you enjoy the wonder filled world of boating as much as we do. We are all waiting to see what you have to say about this webpage article. Submit any comments via email To: Comments♥EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♥" with "@"). Be sure to include this page's title in the subject line. Also, your corrections, updates, additions and suggestions are welcomed. Please submit them via email To: Editor♥EverythingAboutBoats.org (Replace "♥" with "@"). It has been truly amazing to see what we have been able to accomplished when we've worked together. Thanks to all those that have donated their valuable time and energy, and a special THANK YOU to all that have supported this cause with their membership donations."
Comments About This Particular Page
♥
FROM old-sailer: Atomic 4 Serial Numbers by Year
A little history…
I have managed to find myself a lovely old 30 ft C&C sailboat. (I love the old boats and not interested in the new ones at all) Of course it has the venerable Atomic4 in it and I copied down the serial and model and sent it to Don to see if he could tell me the age, when made etc. He replied telling me what he could about my little girl that she’s one of the last late model units made but he also told me he has never seen any log of the serial numbers relative to year of manufacture. Sooooo….. I went hunting.
Here’s what I have come up with so far assembled from a number of web sites that have bits and pieces of information on the engine. I found one web site that had all kinds of info. and it’s the basis for the list here and then I added other info from other sites I came across adding to it. I simply offer it here for the benefit of all interested in this great old engine.
Circa 1949: Serial #?
Zenith series 61-M2AE7 cast iron carburetor with adjustable main jet.
Dole thermostat.
Auto-lite ignition.
Fairbanks Morse magneto (optional).
Auto-lite 6 volt starter.
Auto-lite 6 volt generator.
Prestolite distributor (1Gw60032E1X).
Bronze gear water pump.
Old style heat exchanger kit (optional).
5 unit control panel with mechanical tachometer, mechanical oil pressure gauge, mechanical Water temperature gauge
Circa 1962: Serial #?
Jabsco rubber impellor water pump (available as a replacement).
Prestolite 12 volt starter.
Leece Neville 12 volt alternator (optional).
Circa 1963: Serial #68____
Prestolite 12 volt generator.
Auto-lite 15 amp 12 volt generator (optional).
Delco Remy 24 amp 12 volt generator (optional).
Prestolite 35 amp 12 volt alternator (optional).
Prestolite 40 amp 12 volt alternator (optional).
Circa 1964: Serial #71____
Ongaro – Teleflex electric control panel with electric tachometer (optional), electric oil pressure gauge, electric water temperature gauge.
Circa 1965: Serial #77____
“Old” Sherwood (7 end cover screws) rubber impellor water pump.
Circa 1967: Serial #79476
New style cylinder head with thermost housing.
Holley thermostat.
New style Sendure heat exchanger kit (optional).
Medallion 6 unit control panel with electric tachometer (optional), electric oil pressure gauge, Electric water temperature gauge.
Circa 1967: Serial #170509
Zenith series 68-7 alumininum alloy carburetor with fixed main jet.
Delco Remy distributor (#1112446 – 2G11/6C16/3HI8).
Delco Remy 070FLX 12 volt coil.
Delco Remy 1107679starter and new ring gear to fit.
Larger flywheel housing to fit new ring gear.
Motorola 35 amp 12 volt alternator.
Motorola 51 amp 12 volt alternator (optional).
Oberdorfer model 202M3 rubber impellor water pump (fitted to most engines).
Circa 1967: Serial #171514
External valve chamber oil line no longer fitted.
Circa 1968: Serial #174340
Oberdorfer model 202M3 water pump standard.
Circa 1969: Serial #174802
New style valves (stamped “Eaton” or “Etn”).
Circa 1969: Serial #175503
New transmission housing, oil fill moved to front.
Circa 1970: Serial #176500
Valve guide inner diameter revised to .3145 – .3150 in (new valve guide/valve stem clearance specification of .003 – .004 in to prevent valves sticking in guides).
Circa 1972: Serial #178801
Paragon marine gear updated with new outer plate combined with pressure plate, and new wider metric gear carrier ball bearing.
Circa 1975: Serial #192787
New style deep flywheel housing and flat sheet metal cover.
Circa 1977: Serial #198___
New style electric instrument panel (electric tachometer optional).
Circa 1979: Serial #202987
Mechanical fuel pump replaced with Facet electric fuel pump and low oil pressure shut-off switch.
Circa 1980: Serial #204___
Production stopped (sales continued to 1984).
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