My friend has an old (80 something) 4 hp Johnson.It ran fine until it sucked a plastic bag over the intake and overheated to the point that the plastic idle stop screw melted.After repairs,impeller and some other parts, it now starts and runs good but will not restart if you shut it off for a few minutes.
An hour or so later it starts but will have the same problem when warm. Anyone have any ideas what the problem could be?
Thanks, Tommy

Small Johnson Problem?

Your asking for it....

You beat me to it 2Suns......

I thought that might get you guys to read this.(Remember the
"Its the size of your Johnson" T shirts?)Now if someone has a solution to this problem, it would be great.... Tommy

That's a pretty old Johnson. Maybe time for a newer, larger Johnson?

(couldn't resist. I'm done now!)

That is a problem that the admiral says I DON'T have!

Viagra should help get his small Johnson " Up and Running " again

Actually he likes his little Johnson because it weighs about 20 lbs. less than a new 4 stroke one. Tommy

Maybe in a couple days, you'll get a straight answer ................................................................................... Nah!

Have you pulled the plugs before trying to restart?

And she always tells the truth...

deepv, we all are assuming the 'problem' you are referring to is the "Old Johnson" problem, not the problem wiht its small size. :Thumb:

I knew as soon as I saw the title to this thread where the discussion would go, glad you guys didn't disappoint me!


So if you pull on it when it's cold, it works ok, but when it's nice and warmed up it has a problem?

I'd keep the thermostat way down at night!

And why does the "I have a friend who has a small johnson" problem just not sound right???

Back when I was about 18 I had a 4 stroke Johnson.

Takes a bit more than that now.....

Philr said


"Maybe in a couple days, you'll get a straight answer ................................................................................... Nah! " I'm beginning to think he's right.
F14, The motor cranks over fine, it just won't start. Were you thinking about some type of compression issue? Tommy