4hp Johnson wont start, possibly coil

Model No. J4BRLCRM<br />Its a long shaft as well.<br />We have had this engine lying arouind 4 a while and i got it out the otherday, it wont run.<br />I have cleared the fuel line and the carb out, found a new set of plugs and replaced them and put new fuel at a 50:1 mix, dispite all that it sill wont run.<br />I had my brother put a screwdriver up the HT lead as i pulled it over and he said that there was a very week spark and only slightly stronger on the second lead, is it the coil or points and if so is it possibly for an idiots guide on cleaning or repairing them as i think that may be the problem.<br />Also if any one has any information about the engine like its year and any other bits that would be well appreciated.

Re: 4hp Johnson wont start, possibly coil

it's an 84, plugs J4C, point gap.030, fly wheel torque 35lbs. you are going to have to pull the flywheel, uses a puller, don't pry or hammer on flywheel. search pulling fly wheel. points a coils are under flywheel. check the surface of the coils and flywheel magnets, you can clean with sand paper. if coils are cracked or leaking replace. points you can try cleaning with a emeryboard. don't loose the flywheel key when you pull the flywheel, and torgue to 35 lbs, or it will come loose.

Re: 4hp Johnson wont start, possibly coil

Make up a wire with a big clip, and a small clip on each end. Put the plug in the HT wire, put the big clip around the plug hex body, and the other to a good engine ground. Now yank it and see what spark ya get. Then post what ya get, and we can take it from there. I have an 84 4hp. In fact just replaced a coil. And TD's right on the flywheel..you WILL need a puller. Tighten it up, big hammer and lightly tap the center bolt, tighten up some more, another light,(but heavy because of the big hammer weight). You want to shock the flywheel off the taper...don't beat the hell out of it. But, check for spark properly first

Re: 4hp Johnson wont start, possibly coil

sorted it out and cleaned it all out, old **** fuel was blocking the jets along with a little bit of dirt possibly on the point but now shes all runnin fine just wont run anywhere below half way up the throttle.
plenty of water coming out which was surprisin and all of it seems to be good. gonna run it up the local canal but ive been using an infra red thermometer and the temp aint much above 65 degrees. im chuffed its runnin and thanx for ur help.

Re: 4hp Johnson wont start, possibly coil

ok you should have a slow speed idle knob above the choke knob, some models don't have the know and you to remove the cover and it has a screw slot. thighten this down softly, then open 1 1/4 turns engine should start. with the boat in the water you can adjust this 1/8 of a turn leaving time for the engine to settle it's self, and fine tune your idle.