Johnson Seahorse 4hp pull start advice plz?

[yamzy]

hi been to look at a johnson engine today, think is around a 1982 model with integral tank, forward/neutral gears all works 100% perfect

but concerned about the recoil starter, sometimes the rope goes back in after you pull it, sometimes it hangs out and u must fiddle with it. pull softly etc till it goes back

also theres a bolt on the top cowel that spins when you pull the rope seems weird. I was thinking maybe the bolt has something to do with why its slipping ? could be slack ???

could this just be the case or could something have gone on the recoiler etc.

i dont wanna buy it then have to replace something instantly really.
thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 4hp pull start advice plz?

That bolt is NOT supposed to be tight. As I recall, it bottoms out on the shaft. If it's about to fly off (Open Threads) then tighten it.

Most likely, the recoil mechanism just needs some lube. Use a VERY light spray lithium grease (white) to lube the inner workings. DO NOT take it apart.

 

[yamzy]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 4hp pull start advice plz?

thanks bud i'll def try that when i get my hands on the engine, i was thinking it was possibly about to break but hopefully a just bit of grease will sort it. I wont touch that bolt either I guess it was set up correctly.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Johnson Seahorse 4hp pull start advice plz?

Could also be that the spring is getting weak. What I would do on that model is pull the tank, undo the handle without letting the rope go, pull the rope out a good foot or so then pull the rope back in, wrap it once around the pulley and back out the housing. This will put some more tension on the spring.

This is if lube doesn't help.