Johnson PL4 User Manual

34 - Operation
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Salt Water
Flush the engine internally after use in salt, pollut-
ed, or brackish water to help prevent mineral de-
posits from clogging cooling passages. Your
outboard has a built-in flushing port to facilitate
flushing. Refer to Flushing.
During use in salt or brackish water, additional an-
odic protection for the boat and outboard may be re-
quired.
During long periods of mooring, tilt the gearcase out
of the water — except in freezing temperatures.
Upon removal from salt water, leave it in a vertical
position until its cooling system has drained.
Weedy Water
Weeds block water intakes and cause your out-
board to overheat. Weeds on the propeller create
vibration and reduce boat speed.
Run at slow speeds and in REVERSE frequently to
clear weeds from the propeller and water intakes.
Check the water pump indicator often.
If REVERSE operation does not clear away weeds,
SHUT OFF the engine. Remove weeds from pro-
peller area and water intakes before operating at
higher speed.
Boat Bottom and Engine External Finish
The condition of your boat’s bottom affects perfor-
mance. A covering of marine growth reduces
speed. For maximum performance, keep the boat’s
running surface clean by wiping it dry after each use
and washing it occasionally.
After operating your outboard, rinse it with fresh wa-
ter and wipe it dry. Apply
Evinrude/Johnson anti-
corrosion spray to any surface subject to corrosion,
but avoid the anticorrosion anode(s).
Periodically, wash the entire boat and outboard with
soapy water and apply a coat of automotive wax.
Leave the engine cover in place when washing the
outboard.
High Altitude
IMPORTANT: Your engine’s EMM will automatical-
ly compensate for changes in altitude. However, if
you consistently boat above 3000 ft. (900 m), you
may experience a slight loss of power due to re-
duced air density.
If your engine drops below the recommended RPM
operating range at full throttle, have your Dealer se-
lect a lower pitch propeller.
If you return to sea level, have your Dealer install
the original propeller and verify correct RPM oper-
ating range.
Shallow Water
IMPORTANT: Serious engine damage will occur if
the gearcase is allowed to drag on the waterway
bottom.
Freezing Weather
DURING operation in freezing weather, keep the
gearcase submerged at all times.
Upon removing your motor from the water, leave it
in a vertical position until its cooling system is
drained.
IMPORTANT: Water that has leaked into the gear-
case, or remained in the cooling system or other
components can freeze, causing serious engine
damage.
IMPORTANT: If your outboard’s gearcase is
equipped with an integral speedometer pickup, all
water must be cleared from the hose to prevent
gearcase damage. Refer to Off-Season Storage.
Submerged Engine
If your engine has been under water, have it ser-
viced immediately upon recovery. If immediate
service is unavailable, resubmerge it in fresh water
to avoid prolonged exposure to the atmosphere.
After submersion, all boat and engine electrical, fu-
el, and oiling systems must be inspected for signs
of water intrusion. Your Dealer should perform this
service.
Dual Engine Operation
When you are maneuvering at slow speed, be sure
both engines are running, even if one or both are in
NEUTRAL.
If it is necessary to return to harbor with one engine
not running, you should not attempt to operate the
boat above planing speed. Tilt the inoperative en-
gine high enough to keep its propeller out of the wa-
ter.
Under Tow
Should you require a tow from another boat:
• Shift your engine to NEUTRAL;
• Tilt its gearcase out of the water; and
• Off-load all persons into another boat.
Keep towing speed slower than planing speed.

Johnson PL4 Specifications

General

Brand	Johnson
Model	PL4
Category	Outboard Motor
Language	English