Recently picked up a Johnson 4Hp for my Pelican BassRaider 10. It starts pretty easily, but when we're out on the water, It seems like it's struggling to rev up. I've heard motors rev easily twice as high as this one...We don't move too fast with just my daughter and I on it...maybe 5mph? Does that sound right? Any help would be appreciated.

4 horsepower is not a lot of power, but it does sound like you may have an issue, put the trans in neutral and spin the prop by hand, it should spin freely, if not check the differential grease level and quality of the fluid.

How long has it been since this engine has been on the water?

It may also have some fuel line or fuel related isuue that is causing a restriction, check all of the fuel feed componants for any needed attention.

Try a bottle of Startron mixed with the gas/oil mixture and see if that improves anything at all before you determine any carb work is needed, it may be needed if the Startron does not cure it.

Thanks Nitro...The motor was stored in a basement for 10 yrs. There was no fuel tank attached. I don't think it's a carb issue, as it would give me a hard time starting unless it's a clogged main jet? I am searching for a manual so I can change the fluid. I'm going to head out and take a look at that...sounds like you may be on to something... I'll report back in an hour.

OK define "freely". I can easily move the prop...one way...by hand. it doesn't "spin" by any means...

What I mean by free is you should feel very little resistance, if you try and spin the prop it should only spin maybe 3/4 to 1 revolution, the gear oil is thick and wont allow absolute free movement but should allow easy movement both ways not just one way while in netural.

As far as the carb is concerned, there is an off idle port that allows extra fuel to be sucked in during acceleration, the carbs do not have an accelleration plunger or pump like a car engine would in most applications, it relies on a venturi effect to pull the fuel into the combustion chamber, these ports are very small and can be partly clogged, if it sat in a basement for that long chances are it could be dried up particulates in the ports, I would definately add the Startron product to the fuel mix and see what the result is.

It may take a couple of tank fulls to get a result so don't give up on it right away if the first one fails to yeild a good result.

at the end of the first tank there should however be a noticable improvement, if so, you know you will be on the right track, if we are on the right track then continue mixing the Startron with the fuel mix until the problem is resolved then you should only need the product every other tank full.

Prop has a LOT of resistance. If I try to "spin" it, it doesn't move after I let go of it. This motor does not have reverse. I think I definitely need to change the gear oil...I will have to find Startron somewhere...? Maybe SeaFoam works the same?

Thanks again!

Seafoam is a good product as well, you should be ok with that decision.

Drained gear oil...with nothing still hard to turn prop. Was not milky...Replaced it anyway. In Neutral, the motor revs HIGH...that lower end must be putting a huge load on the motor. Not sure what to do next?

How mechanically inclined are you?

I'm a motorcycle mechanic...I just didn't have a lot of extra time to play with it. Dropped it off @ the marina...let them play with it. Thanks for the help guys...I still think there's a spun bearing or something in the gear box.