04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

[Luna Sea]

04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”<br /><br />Hello,<br />Long story as to how I’m back in this forum. Had a Merc. 6hp 4 stroke on order, twice, but got nervous about the 4 stroke for my application. Realized it’s only one cylinder instead of 2, smaller displacement, and I’ll be carrying the thing around in the back of my pickup all summer. I realize 4 strokes can be portable but I just read too much on here about oil leakage and storing them properly, ect. Plus I do need my inflateable to “plane”. (i.e. go fast)<br /><br />So I’m reading my new “Operators Guide” last night getting ready to break it in and find this :<br /><br />IMPORTANT: Whenever the engine is horizontal, keep its powerhead higher than the gearcase. Otherwise, any water remaining in the exaust passages could run into the block and cause serious damage. <br />When transporting, rest the engine on its side on a padded surface.<br />___________________________________________________<br /><br />Well, I shoved some old blankets under the lower end while bringing it home making the lower end level with the powerhead I’d guess. What’s up with this warning? Is this for all 2 strokes? Are they really just saying don’t put the motor upside down? I've read on here the 2 strokes are supposed to be so much easier to transport............ <br /><br />Thank you in advance for any clarification of this warning.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

If it said to keep the powerhead higher than the lower unit, why would you raise the lower unit so it's level with the powerhead? I would assume that if it was in a vertical position before you laid it down, the water should have drained out anyway.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Rick,<br /><br />I didn't read the owners manual before I bought it. I was just adding some protective padding around the prop with the blankets. So water can run right into the block on a 2 stroke? Think I'd rather have the oil leaking out with the 4 stroke .........

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Hi Luna, I wasn't saying that water will run into the cylinder head or block. These 2-Strokes are hauled around all the tine in a horizontal position with no adverse affects. What I am saying is the if you let it set for a minute after you take it out of the water, it will drain any water out with no problem. As a matter of fact, I have never heard of this problem.

 

[DJ]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Luna Sea,<br /><br />As others have said, just make sure it goes vertical before you lay it down. If you're worried, pull the starter rope through (slowly with kill lanyard unhooked) before you lay it down. That will empty the water pump.<br /><br />Also, if you lay it down on the rear of the cowl, the L/U will be lower than the powerhead.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Rick, I never heard of this being a problem either. Course I’m no outboard mechanic but I have lugged around my share of 2 strokes. Wondering if this warning thing is cause of new design or they’re just being overcautionary for liability reasons.<br /><br />DJ, When I lay it down on the rear of the cowl the mid/upper section of the lower unit is centrally located but where the gears and prop are is actually offset up towards the front of the motor. <br /><br />I know I’m probably just being overcautionary here but wanted to get a few opinions, and this seems to be the right place for diverse opinions…………..

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Keeping the gearcase lower than the powerhead when transporting is a valid warning. You don't need a lot of water getting into the powerhead, just water on a machined surface will give you grief. Depending on the motor, some will catch, and hold more water than other's. As an example, pull a 9.9, or 15 OMC out of a test tank, and see how long it drains.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

RJ, are you saying do not transport a 2 stroke in the horizontal position or just let it drain until no more water is seen coming out?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

I too have seen that warning for longer than I care to remember and have yet to see it happen.<br /><br />When any motor stops running, an exhaust port (2 stroke) or an exhaust valve (4 stroke) can be open. The more cylinders, the more likely. If there is water in the exhaust passage and the unit is tilted up past level, water could find its way in. <br /><br />I would bet that by the time you pull the boat out, disconnect and unclamp the motor, the water has drained.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

What I'm saying is that if you transport your engine after use, be sure the gearcase is lower than the powerhead, that include's loading into the trunk, or pick-up bed. If you let water trickle, or seep into the exhaust ports, then let the engine set for day's, or week's, it just may not crank over again. Some people are very careless how they transport their motor's, just look at the shape some are in.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 04 8hp Johnson 2stroke Operators Guide “Warning”

Gentlemen,<br /><br />As always, there's been some informative replys to my post. So it's the exaust ports that can let water in. Thanks a bunch.<br /><br />PS jackpine had a post a few weeks back called "Transporting Outboard In Cab". web page This is one of the ones that came up when I searched "transporting a 4 stroke" and helped me decide against one. I'm surprised I didn't read anything about this 2 stroke warning elsewhere. <br /><br />PSS This is the other "don't lay em down" post<br /> web page <br /><br />Happy Boating