mystery holes in 4 h.p. johnson

[handball]

I have a 1990 4 h.p. johnson that came with a boat that I bought recently.<br />The motor ran really bad when I first tried it on the water, it stalled and was very hard to start.<br />I checked the plugs and found them to be wet. After a close look at the engine I found the flywheel had 4 steel magnets that were completly covered with rust, After a little sanding and clean up on these 4 spots the engine now purrs like a kitten and starts with one pull.<br />My question is on the lower unit opposite the 2 screws for changing the gear oil is 2 cast in small holes in the gear case, one hole emits oil and water after running. I drained the lower unit and found the gear lube to look normal with no water.<br />What is the purpose of these two little cast in holes?? I have never seen this on any other of my outboard engines. As a side comment this engine was made in belguim.<br />Thanks,<br />Bill

 

[OBJ]

Re: mystery holes in 4 h.p. johnson

The holes are cavity drains Bill. They are there to drain out any water from areas inside that could freeze if they held water. The black oil residue you see is coming from the exhaust. Just unburned oil.<br /><br />These drain holes are common on most outboards.

 

[handball]

Re: mystery holes in 4 h.p. johnson

Thanks OBJ,<br />You learn new things even at my age, I have to say I have never noticed these drain holes on any of the other engines I have owned in the past.<br />I must say I was a little concerned when I saw the oil and water draining out of the gear leg.<br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Bill

 

[gss036]

Re: mystery holes in 4 h.p. johnson

With that motor being that old, I would mix SeaFoam in the gas tank along with the 50-1 mixture. That may help in cleaning out the exhaust a little by making the engine burn a little cleaner and disolving some of the crud.<br /> I used to have a Johnson 4hp, good engine, just not enough HP for anything except trolling w/small 12 ft Alum boat.