Universal Atomic 4
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The Universal Atomic 4 is a four cylinder, 64.46 cubic inch, 30 horsepower (22 kW) gas engine produced by the Universal Motor Company between 1947 and 1984 for use as auxilliary 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 1960s, and 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 the engine, even multiple decades after the Universal Motor Company ceased production.
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[edit] 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 was replaced by the Atomic 4 in 1947.
[edit] Specifications
| Engine Type | Four Cylinder, Vertical, 4 Cycle, L-Head | |
|---|---|---|
| Bore | 2 9/16" x 3 1/8" | |
| Displacement | 64.46 Cubic Inches | |
| 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 | unleaded gasoline | |
| Lubrication Oil | SAE 30 |
| @ RPM | 600 | 1000 | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | 3500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Horsepower: | 5 | 7.3 | 11.9 | 16.2 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
[edit] Notes
Thanks to Don Moyer of Moyer Marine, and Robert Hess of Atlantic Four Engine Services, for contributing to this article.
