year of johnson?

[SpokaneBassPro]

Hi, my buddy has an old Johnson 4hp motor and the number next to the spark plugs on the powerhead is 314779 there is also a # on the starter it is 312757. Can you tell me the year and also the replacement part #'s for the water pump impeller and seals? He also told me the pull cord is not retracting, could this be the recoil spring being stuck? Any help would be greatly appreciated?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: year of johnson?

Check the transom clamp for a little nameplate with the model number. Those sound like casting numbers to me.<br />If the name tag is missing, there should be a convex shaped metal plug about the size of a quarter on the starboard side of the engine block near the back. Report the # on it here.<br />Those other numbers sound like casting numbers, and they're not much help.

 

[SpokaneBassPro]

Re: year of johnson?

Thanks Paul, I believe we found it. Does J3189591 sound familiar? the only other # found was 388991. Any ideas?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: year of johnson?

Dang, I was hoping to find a number like 4W70 on it, or possibly JW-xx. That's the serial number you found so I take it the transom tag is missing eh?<br />Still, that may be enough to work with. Fortunetly, when people ask here about what year their o/bs are, they often include the serial number. A quick search reveals:<br />J3102662 1969<br />J3107794 1969<br />J3189591 This is your one.<br />J3195517 1970<br />So it looks like a '69 or a '70 and likely a '70.<br />Here's a 1970 one: Click here <br />And I'm pretty sure this is a '69:<br />Click here<br />Does it look like either of those?<br />Also, is the propeller normal or is it angled downward?

 

[SpokaneBassPro]

Re: year of johnson?

Wow! I can't believe how fast you got back to me. The '70 picture matches this outboard, and the prop does not appear to be angled downward. Paul any ideas on the other stuff? ~Shawn

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: year of johnson?

Well, I do now. Here's a model number for you for the future - 4R70E. If there's an extra 5" section bolted in between the lower unit and the midsection, use 4RL70E.<br />Ok, water pump:<br />Aftermarket/IBoats pn 18-3201 Impeller Repair Kit - this includes a new impeller, wear plate and grommet for the pump housing. Impeller alone is 18-3001<br />Factory/Dealer PN 379763 (Impeller only). PN 379770 is for the whole pump, including the housing. No kit offered w/o housing.<br /><br />I'm always afraid of the outboard with a broken rewind spring. It suggests it doesn't start very well. A tune-up may be in order. He'll have to investigate further to determine why it's not rewinding. I highly recommend that your friend pick up a service manual for it or at least borrow one from the library. <br />Those little 4hp engines are really great runners. Probably they're the best small hp engines ever built. The rewind mechanism seems built to try your patience though; it's one of those things you need three hands for. A clamp comes in real handy when you're ready to bolt it back on. I've got a '72 myself, but with the angled drive.

 

[SpokaneBassPro]

Re: year of johnson?

Thank you so much Paul, you have been extremely helpful. Have a great evening.