Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

[tony_cliffy]

My Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke will start, but then die after a second or two. I then start it again and it will run fine. This happens about 50% of the time I start the engine and doesn't seem to matter if I am starting the engine cold or if I am starting back up after a having stopped for a little while. It is a little disconcerting when it happens. I don't recall it happeneing as much when the engine was new, but after 50-75 hours it happens about every other time. Sometimes I will prime the bulb before the second attempt, sometimes not, and don't see this making any difference as it always runs Ok after the second restart.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

I'm not that familiar with that particular EFI system, however I am very familiar with the principles of EFI.<br /><br />I would be looking at the loss of fuel pressure, particularly in the fuel rail.<br /><br />You may have a dripping/leaking injector.

 

[tony_cliffy]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

How can I troubleshoot this or other possible causes? I recently installed a water separating filter although the problem existed before I did this and has not changed any after the filter.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

tony,<br /><br />I would start by looking at the spark plugs. Is one much darker (soot) than the other?

 

[tony_cliffy]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

DJ,<br /><br />I went ahead and called Johnson since they don't list technical bulletins on their website. The fellow suggested I "push in on the key" right before starting it as this shoots fuel into the the system. Now, I've never done this but it almost sounds like an undocumented feature or a "go away" answer.

 

[clanton]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

Check the vent hose from the fuel vapor seperator, sometimes the cover will crush the hose, causing hard starting. Idle may be to low. Dealer should take care of a 2004 under warranty, unless the fuel system has water in it. Hex nuts on battery termials clean, and tight. The engine should start and idle as good as any fuel injected car engine. Not sure about the push for primer, check your owners manual.

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

Tony,<br /><br />I do not think the EFI four strokes have a "primer" as is being described by the tech guy.<br /><br />Some good advice by Clanton.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

There is an idle bypass screw adjustment that has to be set using a laptop with the 4-Stroke diagnostic software. If it is not set correctly, you may have the symptoms that you describe.<br /><br />Also, a temp sensor (air or engine) may be "telling" the ECU that is is warmer than it is, causing a difference in fuel delivery.<br /><br />A QUALIFIED tech should check it out for you.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

seahorse,is there a value(any value) to turning the key on and waiting 30 seconds or so?My thought is,while the pump builds pressure,the ECU gets updates from all the sensors,and responds better.<br />DHP

 

[marinemech]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

try removing starboard side panel <br />if this cures problem reinstall panel being careful not to pinch fuel line<br />just athought and good luck

 

[clanton]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

If you want to troubleshoot yourself, buy the oem manual. You should be able to check most everything without a laptop. The laptop just makes it a lot easly. What is your idle rpm, warm engine in water?

 

[tony_cliffy]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

I do not know idle RPM close enough to report a number for you - other than to say it idles OK and sounds OK (not rough). I will check these initial tips provided and take it to my dealer (although my dealer is small town and I believe new to these Johnson 4-strokes).<br /><br />Thanks for the input!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

DHPmarine,<br /><br />It only takes a few seconds to build up fuel pressure in the rail, a few second wait after turning the key to on is all you need.

 

[clanton]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

You can call me daytime 239 842 0294, if your dealer cant solve the problem. Dealer should check for trouble codes, check idle rpm, fuel pressure at idle and full throttle. remove the hose fom the idle control valve, look inside valve for dirt, bugs, rust. Drain fuel rail, and vapor seperator check for brown algae and water.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

You might try turning the key to the "on" position 2-3 times to charge the motor with fuel before starting. I can hear the process on mine. Pushing the key in does nothing on these motors. If your dealer hasn't invested in a manual and diagnostic equipment for your motor, I wouldn't let him touch it. I bought a Suzuki service manual for my Johnson 115 and reccomend it. Did you let your dealer adjust your valves? Good luck

 

[tony_cliffy]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

JRJ,<br /><br />The motor has about 50 hrs on it. When should he have adjusted the valves? Has there been a tech bulletin suggesting that for this motor? <br /><br />Clanton - thanks for the offer. I'll print this out and ask about these checks when I get my 100 HR service this Fall.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

My Johnson owner's manual says to inspect "valve tappet clearance at 10 hours and then every 200 hours or biannually". Suzuki says inspect after 20 hours then every 200 hours. It is just periodic maintenance. I haven't had mine done because I haven't found a dealer with a tech that I want that deep into my motor. I'm at 70 some hours and the motor runs great.

 

[al novak]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

i got a 2004115 johnson 4 stroke also and had the same problem after about two months after i got it brand new ...it never did it when i first got it ...dealer said he couldnt find out what caused it he said no codes showed ..last summer i tried puting in nuteral and pushed the troddle down once and bring it back to idle turn key and it fired up every time after that ..so i think for some reason there wasnt enough gas geting there on start up ...but i only have to this on cold start ups ...after that it runs fine hope this helps

 

[rodgersbarryn]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

Hi. I have a 2004 Johnson four stroke 115HP with about 330 hours on it. When returning to idle after running, as low as 2000rpm, the engine will shut off. It will fire right back up. I have a fuel/water separator installed, and have replaced it (had no water). I put new plugs in it, and it still does it. It also hesitates momentarily when going from idle to 2000rpm. I am hearing a lot about the idle air adjustment from this forum and my SELCO manual. Any ideas?

 

[boobie]

Re: Johnson 2004 115HP 4-stroke dies after starting

This post is 5 years old !! Please read the rules at the top of the forum and start a new one !! Thank You.