25HP Evinrude Age?

[reelfishin]

I came across a pair of used 25HP engines today, I am not sure about the year, but I am guessing early to mid 70's. It's got the more modern square box style top cover, the exaust exit is above the prop, not through it like on my 30HP.
The model number is 25R73-A. Also, can this be converted to electric start?
I aquired two matching motors, neither are electric start, but they were being run as a pair on a small center console.
Both have excellent compression and start near instantly. Neither look to have had much use.
If these can be converted to electric start, what is involved? Also, how about battery charging? I also have an earlier 25HP here, and these two have more wires going under the flywheel.
What type of ignition do these use? (What year did they stop using ignition points?

 

[F_R]

Re: 25HP Evinrude Age?

That model number is for 1973 Johnson motors, not Evinrude. It has the magneto with a driver coil under the flywheel and external spark coils. Yes it has points and condensers.

It can be converted to electric starting, however there is a lot of demand for the parts to do it. Good luck on that.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: 25HP Evinrude Age?

What all would it take to convert it? Both of these motors are in A1 shape and run perfect. Adding electric start would make these the perfect match for a boat I am working on. What years are the same? I may have a 1977 parts motor I can go get that has electric start, but it uses a large red plug connector to connect to the controller. This has no external wires at all.

Would the conversion mean doing away with the magneto or just adding a starter?

It would be nice to have a charging system too, but if the battery is only used for cranking the motor, it wouldn't take much power. The trolling motor batteries would do that just fine.

 

[F_R]

Re: 25HP Evinrude Age?

No changes to the magneto are required. You can go to http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=E and choose OB Accessories from the Products drop-down list. Then follow the prompts to the 1973 electric starter kits to see what's in them. There are two, remote and at-the-motor.

I think that battery charging capabilities are possible on that motor, but haven't checked it out.