1971 Johnson 25hp convert to electric start?

[davidmbv]

Hello all, thanks for the replies to my other posts. Well I finally seem to have gotten this old Johnson running good ...fingers crossed. It’s a pull start and I’ve heard that it’s not super difficult to convert it to electric start. Any recommendations in this process? Those of you that have e start older OMC’s like mine, is it worth the cost and time ? Is it a simple as changing the fly wheel and getting a starter wired up? It’s my first outboard and I’m pumped on this motor when it wants to run good.
thanks
Dave

 

[F_R]

Simple enough, once you find the parts. It should already have a geared flywheel. The $$ snag comes in the starter and bracket. You will also need a solenoid and associated wiring and cables.

Worth it?? Depends on your wants and needs. How much are you willing to spend on a 50 year old motor?

 

[oldboat1]

Look for an electric start sister motor. Think of it as a parts motor (donor motor), but you might end up scavenging parts from the current motor to get a runner. Take detailed digital photos of your current motor, and compare to any possible parts motor. The starter mount must fit.

I would think only of a working starter conversion, with a starting button at the transom along with the starter solenoid. An outdoor electrical box is perfect.

 

[matt167]

If you only care about it spinning over, then the bracket and starter will get you going. You will need a battery, a starter relay of some sort and a push button.

 

[racerone]

A donor motor is you best bet.----Any thing for the 18 / 20 / 25 HP 22 cubic inch model only from about 1958 to 1976 will have the parts you need.---Great , durable , easy to fix and own motors.

 

[davidmbv]

Great thank you! I’ll look for the parts or a donor motor

 

[davidmbv]

Well older post but I just picked up another 25hp Johnson a 72. Now I have a 70, 71, and 72. The 72 was 300$ and is electric start. The motor ran good in the bucket but plan to use it for parts and throw the electric start on my 71. The 70 is my personal favorite but the 71 I have already replaced about everything and is bullet proof (knock on wood). Anyway, thanks for the advise on picking up a donor motor with electric start. My problem now is, I like getting these motors running like they should and it’s tempting to get the 72 running like a top…But I really don’t need 3 motors for only one boat looking forward to having an electric start. Especially on the first start of the day.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Well older post but I just picked up another 25hp Johnson a 72. Now I have a 70, 71, and 72. The 72 was 300$ and is electric start. The motor ran good in the bucket but plan to use it for parts and throw the electric start on my 71. The 70 is my personal favorite but the 71 I have already replaced about everything and is bullet proof (knock on wood). Anyway, thanks for the advise on picking up a donor motor with electric start. My problem now is, I like getting these motors running like they should and it’s tempting to get the 72 running like a top…But I really don’t need 3 motors for only one boat looking forward to having an electric start. Especially on the first start of the day.

Bullet proof? Glad to see you took the advice from the people here and got some parts motors. Personally, put them away and be ready when the bullet proof motor needs something. Just saying....