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

Did you really expect anything else?

Anyways how about vaporlock?
Check to see if it getting fuel when it is hot.

Can you see fuel squirting into the carb like on a car?

yes

Are you getting spark when hot? If not, you may have a coil or wire that fails when it gets hot. Also the head is prone to warping when over heated. Just my $.02

I've been looking for something that was a direct result of that overheat,not really thinking about a new problem with a wire or coil.
It will be another week till I see that motor,but at least I have something to look for! I'll let you know what happens.Although next time I might just call it an "Evinrude"....
Tommy

So after the johnson sit for an hour it works just fine again? Does it run longer the second time it's used?

I was thinking a problem with the coil or a wire as a result of the overheating. Have seen the insulation on a wire get melted and short. As the parts cool down the insulation would firm up enough to remove the shorted condition. I have had this happen in a similar condition to yours. Remember the engine will get warmer after your shut it down ( no water circulating) before it begins to cool. Good luck with the Jrude.