2000 Johnson 4hp sluggish throttle?

[sefuller]

I am looking at a 2000 4hp Johnson that was traded in on a larger motor. The dealer says it was "gone over", but when they ran it in the test tank for me, it started right up, but after idling for a while if you rapidly increase the throttle, it revs up slowly - it seemed a little sluggish. It did not bog down or sputter, just took a several seconds to rev up to full throttle. The dealer said this is because it is fixed in a tank and not pushing a boat which would be less resistance. I am fairly new to outboards, and am not sure if that is logical or not? He said it was tuned up last year for the previous owner.<br />I would be using it for an 8' inflatable as a tender to our sailboat.<br />Thanks,<br />Scott

 

[DJ]

Re: 2000 Johnson 4hp sluggish throttle?

It's possible, if the tank is small.

 

[cvx35]

Re: 2000 Johnson 4hp sluggish throttle?

I agree. We have a small test tank. The engine RPM will fluctuate a lot from water pressure sloshing back and forth. Starting out, it has to push all that water out of the way and the motor can't go anywhere. Other than that, carburetor might be a tad lean. Not all engines spit back when too lean. Some just slow down. By tune up, they might have meant changed gearoil, greased fittings and replaced sparkplugs. You might want to get them to synchronize it.

 

[sefuller]

Re: 2000 Johnson 4hp sluggish throttle?

Originally posted by cvx35:<br /> ... You might want to get them to synchronize it.

Thanks for the quick replies! I feel a little better about the motor now. What exactly is synchronizing?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Scott