Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hello Crew,

    Hope you are all enjoying your summer and anticipating a drift filled winter.

    I have a 1987 4hp Johnson model J4BRHCUD two stroke (original owner) with fairly low hours over the years.  It still has the original plugs, runs fine and usually starts on the first pull when I remember to choke it.

   Yesterday after a fairly long run full speed for about 3/4 of an hour the engine head felt very hot.   What happened was it ran to a stop after a few seconds from top speed.  I reached around to the head and it was hot.  I waited about a minute and after 6-7  pulls it started.  I went slow for a few minutes then up to 3/4 and got back running at 3/4 after about 5 minutes.  It ran fine for that time.
 
    Does the head being anything but cool to the touch indicate a problem with this motor or impeller?   It had the right mix of gas 50:1 and right oil...I think TWC3 outboard oil.    When I run for a long time with my 1991 2hp the head is always cool. 

"borat!  have you ever run the motor thru shallow water with a lot of mud."

I've run my engines in loonsh!t which is similar to mud but much thinner.   I prefer to avoid it and use oars.   However, if I do run the engine in anything that might block the cooling system, I flush the engine througly, usually on the lake or river.