1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

[petehall]

My 1956 Johnson 30hp RDE18E has an original Auto-Lite starter, model mdh 4001m 2l, and I would like to know if anyone knows whether this is a 6 or 12 volt starter. Can anyone help me on this? Thanks.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

I'm not sure if they started using 12v in 1956. Earlier ones were 6v. But you can use a 12v battery anyhow. Just make sure you have a 12v solenoid.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

Agreed. If it was 6v, it will just start better at 12v. One of my manuals lists volts and amps for various starters at both 10 (min start for 12) and 4 (min start for 6) volts. So even to them it doesn't really matter.<br />PS - That same manual lists MDW-4001M as 10v@26A or 4v@160A. Min RPM is 8500 (I assume freewheeling ) and 2.1 lb/ft torque.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

The housing on the 12V starter will be approx. 3-3.5 inches in diameter. The 6V is significantly larger...<br />- Scott

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

Your a wealth of information Chinewalker. I didn't know those starters even existed. Those catalogs over at the Old OMC Site seem to suggest they were issued with engines from '55 (first electric start?) and '56 only. The '57 catalog heralds the new 12v ones. Do you know if that's correct?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

I've seen '56s with either set-up, so I am inclined to think that it was a crossover year. My '56 parts list doesn't actually say whether it's a 6V or 12V system, but the solenoid pictured is a 3-pole 6V solenoid, rather than the 4-poles used in the 12V systems.<br />- Scott

 

[petehall]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

Mine is setup with a 4-pole solenoid. I bench tested the starter yesterday and it works. It measured 3" in diameter. I am going to bench test the solenoid today and make sure it works. I am somewhat new to working on the electrical part of an outboard and did not realize that a starter could be setup either as 6v or 12v. I had assumed that a starter was either one or the other. I actually prefer the 12v setup as it will simplify things for me. Thanks.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1956 Auto-Lite Starter (30h Johnson)

I think everyone prefers the 12v setup! If you look the current draws in my last post, 12v isn't so bad at 26A max. #8 or #6 wire would work well for hooking that up. But 160Amps?? No wonder the auto manufacturers get all excited about 42v.<br />Chinewalker - thanks for the information!