HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

[gsk2005uk]

Hello,
I recently inherited a 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model (Model No:J4BRLCTA). I want to use it as a backup/second engine for my boat and I need some service info from you guys. I have the following problems/queries:

1. The engine hasn't been used for at least 10 years (or more), do I do anything before I start it?
2. There is an viscus oily substance in the tank (I assume its the oil/gasoline mixture, gasoline evaporated, oil remained). How do I remove it and clean it
3. What mixture of oil and gasoline does it take?
4. Do you know where I can find its manual, assuming they are still around somewhere?
5. Do I need to change or put gear oil and from where?
5. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Change anything?

Sorry for all these questions, any help would be much much much appreciated.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

Welcome to iboats!!

1. The engine hasn't been used for at least 10 years (or more), do I do anything before I start it?
Sure is...change the water pump impeller. Sitting that long, the one that's in the motor now, can't be relied on to do a good job of cooling the motor.

2. There is an viscus oily substance in the tank (I assume its the oil/gasoline mixture, gasoline evaporated, oil remained). How do I remove it and clean it
Dump in a quart of Acetone and some nuts and bolts. Rock the tank back and forth to break up the sludge and debris. It might be better to replace the tank with the newer plastic variety, they're cheap.

3. What mixture of oil and gasoline does it take?
50:1 ratio of gas to oil

4. Do you know where I can find its manual, assuming they are still around somewhere?
Ebay, find an original OEM manual only

5. Do I need to change or put gear oil and from where?
Yes, change the lower unit lube. Should be a single (perhaps 2 separate Fill and Vent screws) on side of lower unit. If single screw, remove screw, drain and lay motor on side, fill with fresh lube, replace the washer on the screw, replace screw.

5. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Change anything?

You'll probably need to install a carb rebuild kit, after doing a complete carb soak-cleaning.


Edit: Just checked...you're '83 has both a Fill and Vent screws in lower unit for lube. To change fluid, remove both Fill and Vent screws. Drain out old fluid.
To fill: Have motor upright. Put lube bottle nozzle in lower hole (Fill) squeeze bottle until lube comes out upper Vent hole. Do not remove lube bottle (yet). Replace Vent screw with new washer. Remove fill bottle and replace Fill screw with new washer.
Note: replacing the Vent screw first prevents the loss of the lube before you can replace the Fill screw...it's a vacuum thing.

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

Xcusme.....A Million Thanks for all this info!

Can you please help me out with a few more Q's on this info?

1. Do you think that any of this oily stuff might have gone inside the engine? And if so how do I clean it?

3. "find an original OEM manual only". I dont suppose there is an online place for Johnson engines, like store.brownspoint.com to get a pdf version? I used this site for my main outboard Suzuki engine (DT25 '88) and they offer free online manuals. The only thing I found for Johnson engines is from http://shop2.evinrude.com/ were they have part pictures and the assembly (which is quite helpful)

4. "Just checked...you're '83 has both a Fill and Vent screws in lower unit for lube". I am now curious! Where did you check this info?

Again, thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

That crud may have gotten into the carburetor. That is the reason for cleaning the carburetor. It won't get any farther so don't worry about it being in the engine.

I know of no on-line manuals. They are copyrighted, so copies would be pirated. Unless of course the copyright holder chose to post them..which they haven't.

I suppose he probably checked the parts site you mentioned and saw the two screws. Just guessing.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

1. Do you think that any of this oily stuff might have gone inside the engine? And if so how do I clean it?

If you're talking about the stuff in the tank, the only place it would end up is the carb bowl (possibly fuel pump and hoses). There should be a screen on the pickup hose in the tank that could be clogged too. Removal of the tank pickup and tank float is easy. Sometimes it's easier to just replace the tank, but thats a judgement call on your part. A carb disassemble, soak cleaning, followed with compressed air and installation of a carb rebuild kit, will put things right.

3. "find an original OEM manual only". I dont suppose there is an online place for Johnson engines, like store.brownspoint.com to get a pdf version? I used this site for my main outboard Suzuki engine (DT25 '88) and they offer free online manuals. The only thing I found for Johnson engines is from http://shop2.evinrude.com/ were they have part pictures and the assembly (which is quite helpful)

I'm not aware of any online sources for free service manuals in PDF format.
Sites like Kencook offer manuals, but tend to be pricey,
hXXp://www.outboardbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=models.main&year=1983&ID=119315

As I mentioned, Ebay is a good source for manuals

4. "Just checked...you're '83 has both a Fill and Vent screws in lower unit for lube". I am now curious! Where did you check this info?

You already know !! Go back to hXXp://shop2.evinrude.com/ do a search for Johnson, 1983, 4HP....click on Gearcase, you should see in the parts list the Fill and Vent screws I mention.

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

F_R & Xcusme....many many many Thanks!

I now know more or less what to do!

Will keep you updated

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

Hi,

I started servicing the engine and as I opened the carburetor I discovered dead bugs, dirt/dust. I imagine that the engine must have been kept outside all this time. Do I need to go deeper and dismantle the whole motor or do you think that the dirt/bugs and rain water would have "stopped" at the carburetor?

By the way, as I am not an expert on these things, inside the carburetor there is a doughnut shaped cork floater. It seems that it was covered by a lacker of some sort which time removed. Do I need to add lacker, buy a new one or just leave/use it as it is?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

If you've removed the carb, you should be able to see the reeds through the intake manifold. It would be hard for critters to make it past the reeds, but anything is possible. At any rate, I would lay down until the feeling goes away if you're thinking of opening the power head to check for bugs. At most, I would remove the intake manifold and have a peek at the crankcase if it really bothers you, you'll need the manifold gasket if you do.

Buy a carb rebuild kit which includes a new plastic float. If the cork float you have now is thin on the protective coating it will soak up gas and sink. Best to replace it. Do the usual carb breakdown, clean, followed with compressed air and install the parts kit.

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model


A big thanks for all the info.

I am almost done servicing the engine and thankfully ...I did not find any critters past the reeds of the intake manifold

There is only one problem, that of the impeller. Its stuck on the shaft! Its so rusty that it spend a few hours soaked on WD-40 (rust "remover" spray) and I was still unable to remove it. I don't suppose there is a more powerful rust remover out there?

 

[iwombat]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

PB blaster is better.

My de-rusto blend is ATF and diesel.

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

PB blaster is better.

My de-rusto blend is ATF and diesel.

...whats ATF?

 

[iwombat]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

Automatic Transmission Fluid

 

[beerfilter]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

...whats ATF?

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Another vote for PB Blaster here !

WD 40 = Water Displacement formula #40 .
Thats all it is really intended to do , disperse water ...
It is better than nothing as a lube/penetrant oil , but , not much .
Keep it in the drawer with the duct tape , and , use the proper stuff for the job .

 

[samo_ott]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

I've been a convert to PB Blaster also from WD-40 since starting to frequent this forum. I just wish it sprayed better and farther!

 

[gsk2005uk]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

Tried all the suggestions on top, but I cannot start the engine. A friend suggested that it might not send current to the spark plugs so I tried to open the flywheel but I can't get in there! I unscrewed the crankshaft nut which should release the flywheel, but it doesn't.

I do not see any other screws or anything holding it in place. Even in the engine schematic diagram it does not show anything else holding it down. Does anyone know how to remove the flywheel and access the bits inside?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: HELP! 4Hp Johnson Seahorse 1983 model

You're going to need a Harmonic Balancer type puller. The puller uses three 1/4 x 20 bolts (grade 8) that screw into the 3 holes in the flywheel top. USE ONLY THIS TYPE OF PULLER. Other types can damage the flywheel.

When replacing the flywheel, use NO oil or grease on the crank shaft taper OR the flywheel taper, it's a dry fit. Torque the flywheel nut to 45 ft. lbs. Failure to torque the flywheel nut to specs can cause the flywheel key to shear, throwing the motor timing off.

BTW, you can order a OEM service manual right here at iboats, it's money well spent.

FYI, you can follow this link:
http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa... 5.5 HP 1954-1964 Ignition System Tune-up.htm

The ignition system is like yours, but a note of caution:
I would not use the flywheel removal procedure he shows of beating on the flywheel nut while lifting the flywheel, to remove it. Find (rent or borrow) the right puller to do the job. Pretty much everything else shown is OK.