1990 Johnson 4 hp starter recoil spring

[JASinIL2006]

Hi all, I have a 1990 pull-start Johnson 4 hp outboard (model J4RDHESR) that has a broken recoil spring on the starter mechanism. (The spring snapped right near the end that attaches to the cup assembly.

My first question: is this a fairly simple repair that I could do myself? I'm not a mechanic, but I am reasonably handy with my hands and tools.

Second question: which service manual covers this motor? I've found two that seem to overlap: I've seen one titled "1973-1990 EVINRUDE JOHNSON OUTBOARD SERVICE MANUAL 2-40 HP" and another titled "1990 2001 johnson evinrude outboard service manual 1 hp to 300 hp." Since my motor is a '90, I'm unsure which one might apply. (I've been looking at the latter manual on Boatinfo, but the reproduction is pretty bad; the photos are so grainy they're pretty hard to make out.)

Third question: assuming the correct manual, are there any undocumented tips to make the job simpler? I know when I replace the bellows on my main boat, there are some tricks and techniques that make the job much simpler that the manual does not mention.

Thanks for your help!


jim

 

[JASinIL2006]

Bump....

 

[Vic.S]

The manual on "Boatinfo" for 1990-2001 2-70 HP covers your engine but the best manuals are the OEM ones available from Ken Cook Co.

https://www.outboardbooks.com/manual/J4RDHES/ are the manuals for your engine.

If you enlarge the Boatinfo manuals to full screen and zoom in a little they become readable although the pictures are still not great

 

[JASinIL2006]

Thanks, Vic.S. I'm still trying to decide if this is something I can take on myself or if I'd be better off taking it in to have someone work on it. If I decide to work on it myself, I'll pick up the OEM manual. The boatinfo version is just too grainy to help much, even when the relevant pages are printed out.