71 johnson 4hp float

[dragongoalie2000]

having problem locating a new float for this. rebuilt carb with a sierra kit minus float hard to start was told the old cork float should be replaced but cant to seem to find one anywhere. any help would be appreciated

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 71 johnson 4hp float

First off, welcome to Iboats, dragongoalie.<br />Your local Johnny/Rude dealer is just about the only place you'll be able to get that float since the aftermarket kits (Sierra, GLM, etc) don't carry them. If you want to order one online, try Mastertech part number 398532. I think that kit comes with a float, but email them to make sure.<br /><br />The problem with the old cork floats is the varnish they're painted with can dissolve in some of today's gasolines. After that, the float gets saturated with gasoline and sinks in the bowl causing the carburetor to flood. The new floats are plastic and don't do that.<br /><br />If your float has sunk, then fuel should flow out the mouth of the carburetor when you pump the primer bulb, and the primer bulb should never get completely hard. Is this the case? It's a good idea to replace the float anyway for preventative maintanace even if it still does float though.<br /><br />When that engine is tuned up properly, it's the sweetest running small engine ever. Good luck!

 

[petrolhead]

Re: 71 johnson 4hp float

Just wondering, if the gas additives dissolve the varnish, why not recoat the cork float with something that won't be affected, like epoxy resin?<br />As long as the float is thoroughly dried first this should be fine, epoxy is used to coat the insides of old gas tanks to prevent corrosion.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 71 johnson 4hp float

The factory carb kit number is #398532 and contains alcohol proof gaskets, needle and seat, related parts, and a new float for about $14 at any Johnson/Evinrude dealer.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 71 johnson 4hp float

Petrolhead - I use PVC cement (the stuff for welding PVC plastic pipes) and that seems to be the easiest sucessful solution so far. I've also used epoxy thinned with acetone, but that's harder to get it to work right with bubbles and all. My biggest concern is the weight you end up adding to the float. Afterall, that the float actually floats in gasoline is the most important thing. <br />I always clean and scuff the surface first, and start with a thoroughly dried float. There's no excusing the cheapness of this solution since inexpensive replacements for these engine's floats are avialable. But with the older ones it's a matter of necessity.<br /><br />I hear airplane dope works too...<br /><br />Thanks Seahorse for confirming that. I don't know why people bother with the aftermarket carb kits.

 

[dragongoalie2000]

Re: 71 johnson 4hp float

Hey thanks everyone I'll email Mastertech and get a new one on the way. You're right Paul when she was running right she was sweet, I have 3 motors and she is my favorite