Johnson J4REEA fuel and carb question

[Jamoose]

Hello. I’m getting familiar with a new to me 1999 Johnson 4hp and have a question. The motor has an inboard tank and option to external tank hookup. It also has a fuel cutoff on the choke. I have noticed that if I run the motor on the internal tank and then leave it standing with the fuel still switched on, the carb weeps fuel. I had assumed it was a stuck needle and float issue so i rebuilt the carb and am having the same issue. I can’t find an owners manual and traced fuel line from internal tank to bowl and it seems to come in below the float so bypassing the float function. Does anyone know this motor? Wondering if the standard operating procedure is to always switch off the internal tank when the motor is not being run or if I have a different issue with the carb. Thanks in advance.

 

[tphoyt]

Are you talking about the red lever on the primer solenoid. It should in line with the solenoid body for regular use. If its turned to manual it may leak. Just a thought. .

 

[racerone]

No such thing as an electric primer solenoid on a 4 HP motor !

 

[tphoyt]

My bad I thought it was a 40hp

 

[Nordin]

Yes you should always switch off the fuel shut off valve when not using the engine.
As the fuel tank is mounting higher than the carb there is always a pressure at the needle valve due to the gravity.
BTW The inlet for the fuel at these carbs are at the bottom of the bowl but there is a channel cast in the bowl up to the float needle.

 

[Jamoose]

Yes you should always switch off the fuel shut off valve when not using the engine.
As the fuel tank is mounting higher than the carb there is always a pressure at the needle valve due to the gravity.
BTW The inlet for the fuel at these carbs are at the bottom of the bowl but there is a channel cast in the bowl up to the float needle.

Thank you. That explains a lot both on the head pressure to the needle and the routing of fuel. Much appreciated. So if one is using the external tank then, the fuel switch should be in the off position, which makes sense as the fuel line from the pump/external tank enters the carb above switch assembly.
Also for peace of mind, would someone spot check this hose configuration? Far more hoses than I’m used to so wanted to confirm this is correct. Thank you!

 

[racerone]

Looks correct.-------Check the wee orange bladder ( fuel pump element ) that is operated by that hose from crankcase.

 

[Jamoose]

Thank you and I will pull that nipple to inspect it. Have a carb kit coming so I’ll have a spare on hand soon. Appreciate the help!