whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

kahokua

Recruit
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
5
hi, i recently purchased a 4hp johnson outboard motor (i am unaware of the year) and put it on a 10ft olympian. it ran great the first time, however the second time around i had to get towed in. i shut off the motor and when trying to start it back up it wouldnt fire up. once on dry land we started the motor up no problem. so now the motor starts up out of the water, but once it gets in the water it wont start. any ideas on what could be causing this problem?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

What is the model number of your engine?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

It' a 1977.
Compression spark and fuel, need all 3 to start and run.
Does the primer bulb pump up firm?
Do you have good spark on both cylinders?
How is the compression?
 

kahokua

Recruit
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
5
Re: whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

i just replaced the spark plugs. the bulb pumps up firm. however, i am a newbie with boat motors so i have no idea how to check the compression or the spark on the cylinders. it runs fine when out of water, but when its in the water it dies out and then doesnt start again.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

Go to the Top Secret File ^^^ and do "Outboard won't start". Let us know what you find. :)
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: whats wrong with my 4hp johnson outboard?!?!

Go to the first page of the forum, back one page, and look at the very top sticky. The Top Secret File, lots of good information there.
 
Top