diff --git a/src/runtime/proc.go b/src/runtime/proc.go
index 766784c07ed..2399f0a1d3d 100644
--- a/src/runtime/proc.go
+++ b/src/runtime/proc.go
@@ -2231,11 +2231,14 @@ top:
 			// Consider stealing timers from p2.
 			// This call to checkTimers is the only place where
 			// we hold a lock on a different P's timers.
-			// Lock contention can be a problem here, so avoid
-			// grabbing the lock if p2 is running and not marked
-			// for preemption. If p2 is running and not being
-			// preempted we assume it will handle its own timers.
-			if i > 2 && shouldStealTimers(p2) {
+			// Lock contention can be a problem here, so
+			// initially avoid grabbing the lock if p2 is running
+			// and is not marked for preemption. If p2 is running
+			// and not being preempted we assume it will handle its
+			// own timers.
+			// If we're still looking for work after checking all
+			// the P's, then go ahead and steal from an active P.
+			if i > 2 || (i > 1 && shouldStealTimers(p2)) {
 				tnow, w, ran := checkTimers(p2, now)
 				now = tnow
 				if w != 0 && (pollUntil == 0 || w < pollUntil) {