1961 Johnson RDS-23D 40 HP electrical

[Nutz4hotwheels]

I’m restoring my grandfathers old 1961 Johnson 40HP. I have a lot of experience with car repair but no nothing about outboards or older engines. The electrical harness is shot and needs to be rebuilt. Will it run with for testing purposes without electrical supply except to start it? Basically, I just want to crank it to see if it will run before I start rebuilding it.

 

[Crosbyman]

https://maxrules.com/graphics/omc/wiring/61_66_40HP.jpg

old style magneto doesn't need power to fire but shifting does as well as choking

check compression before spending $$$$

coils possible all cracked ,condensers bad .. points need a cleaning etc....

check gear oil for water... if no water just oil GREAT !!!

key must be ON otherwise coils will be grounded .. see diagram

 

[racerone]

An RDS model is not electric shift.------Motor will start and run without any external wiring harness plugged in.

 

[Nutz4hotwheels]

Thanks for the replies. I don’t have it hooked to an ignition switch or anything. I have it on a stand to work on it.

 

[racerone]

You do not need an ignition switch.-----If it starts / fires you might need to choke it to stop it.-----Water pump impellers need water on them or they will be destroyed.-----But if this turns out to be a runner you would install a new impeller regardless.

 

[Crosbyman]

An RDS model is not electric shift.------Motor will start and run without any external wiring harness plugged in.

even simpler

 

[Nutz4hotwheels]

You do not need an ignition switch.-----If it starts / fires you might need to choke it to stop it.-----Water pump impellers need water on them or they will be destroyed.-----But if this turns out to be a runner you would install a new impeller regardless.

I’m planning on putting it in a 55 gallon drum with water to run it