1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

[992bm]

Hi.
I have a 1963 johnson 40hp seahorse. MODEL- RD25D
When i bought it, it was missing most electrical parts. all it had was a starter coils breakers, and magnetos. Basically it only came with enough electrical parts to allow me to crank it over. that way i knew it atleast cranked. My main question is does my model come with a generator or not? because i have to remake the whole harness unless you guys know where i can get one. thanks

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

It may have come with a generator, but it is certainly not required to have one. The motor does not need it to operate, since it gets all of the electricity it needs to run the ignition system from the coils/magnets under the flywheel. You can run the electric starter for days on a charged battery. Looking up the parts list for a RD-25, it looks like it has neither an electric starter nor a generator.
It's just a basic, pull start motor with a mechanical shift. Much better than the electric shift alternative, in my opinion.

 

[992bm]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

now see mine does have an electric start and pull start.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

If it has any kind of electrical output it would be around 6 to 9 amps. Not really enough to charge a battery. If you find a rectifier you will know if it has a charging system. If your model number has a E in it it came factory with an electric starter. If no E it was added and probably doesn't have a charging system.

 

[royal0014]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

Unless you have the electric shift, most likely yours did not come with a generator. And even if it did, you can run without it no problem. Just keep a good hot battery.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

A RD model is not electric start, but manual start only. If that is the correct model number, then somebody has added an electric starter. Not difficult, nor uncommon.

If it is a factory electric start and manual gearshift, (RDS) then it came without a generator. But a generator kit was available as an accessory. If it does have one, it is a unit on the opposite side of the carburetor from the starter and looks similar to a starter, but belt driven. The generator kit is fairly complicated and requires a voltage regulator. It does NOT have a rectifier!!

As everybody said, it is a convenience and not a necessity if the motor is manual shift. It will run just fine with a dead battery, or even with no battery.

Electric shift motors (RK) need the generator, which comes standard on them.

 

[992bm]

Re: 1963 johnson 40hp (generator) OR NOT

this is all great help. now just to make sure the RD model was a manual shift correct. Therfore requiring me to shift from reverse to forward using the shift lever on the side on the engine, same side as the starter motor.