Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

[deerhound]

I have a 4hp BE4BRHLESR 1990, I noticed that the prop (when out of water) has some resistance when turning by hand, ie; compared to my other engine which is Evinrude 40hp, it is more difficult to turn?I have had engine out on 2 seperate occasions and runs great no problems at all, I have changed and checked oil level in gearcase and all OK, Just wondered if this is normal in this engine, engine is good condition and came with new prop. thanks for now. JBD

 

[steelespike]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Just guessing here is a theory.The compression is roughly the same lets say about 100 lbs.<br /> The gear ratio on the little motor is probably neumerically higher so it is easier for the motor to turn the prop this makes it harder to turn the motor with the prop.Also the diameter of the big prop is longer making it slightly easier to turn by hand.Maybe i'm full of beans but someone may be along with a better idea.

 

[deerhound]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Thank you for reply, turning the prop by hand when the motor is out of water and out of gear is more difficult to turn than my 40hp,I wondered if there was different set up to cause this, I also note that the prop can only be rotated one way and not either way as on the 40hp? JBD

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Sounds like it's using a neutral clutch spring, which will show some resistance when you turn it the "other" way, and locks up when run in the normal direction. But I really don't know anything about those later 4hp engines so I'm probably full of beans too.<br />But if it has no reverse, and therefore no clutch dog, I think I might be right...

 

[deerhound]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Thanks Paul fine all noted, I noticed this when I purchased same, the tightness when turning prop by hand, it just seems to me a fair amount of energy waisted by engine to overcome this before driving it? but as nothing has changed since using it and it performing fine I just hoped someone could confirm this to be a feature of it? I would say that it is impossible to rotate prop opposite direction, thanks for help. JBD

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

One cautionary note: If you're going to turn props by hand, make sure the kill switch key is out. You do NOT want your little kicker to fire and turn over with your hand on the prop. Really.<br /><br />This rule applies to all engines that do not run on a battery ignition. Broken fingers will keep you from fishing for a while.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Lurcher,<br /> Your motor has a clutch spring that tightens on the propshaft gear to the propshaft when engaged and driven from the driveshaft end of the unit. When spun from the prop end the shaft slips (with resultant drag on the shaft) in the spring one direction and engages it the other. That drag is not a factor on the motor's running characteristics as it is nott slipping while running. When you engage the neutral position on the shift lever it loosens the spring on the shaft and it is no longer engaged.<br />- Scott<br />

 

[deerhound]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Great Chinewalker! thank you for putting my mind at rest, I was trying to convince myself having used it couple of times that all was well, but couldn't understand the resistance when turning by hand, I sought advise on this site before buying this motor and it really is nice, runs great, and I did not consider the danger of turning the prop by hand so thank you to CATransplant for info, I wonder if ignition is permanently on even if throttle lever is in off position ie; to extreme left? thanks again everyone for help. JBD

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

That one should have a lanyard kill switch shouldn't it? If so, spark should be reliably disabled when it's removed. But sometimes should isn't, and for my fingers sake I always pull the plug wires even though the possibility is remote.

 

[deerhound]

Re: Evinrude 4hp (should prop turn easy?)

Thanks again Paul for help, there is no lanyard kill switch on this motor? where would it have been, presumably on front? I have the Clymer manual which I don't think shows anything or refers to one although I find this manual anything but straight forward, after using it a couple of times I did begin to wonder about killing the electrics on it and the lack of somthing, anyone any ideas on this, Evinrude 4hp 1990 BE4BRHLESR. thank you all, JBD