Can I convert a 57 Johnson seahorse RD-19 35 hp to electric start?

[oldbart]

Brand new to the boating world and I have tried answering this question myself but can't come up with it. I have seen others that are electric start, but can't seem to find any part numbers or any info. Are the javelin parts interchangable? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Can I convert a 57 Johnson seahorse RD-19 35 hp to electric start?

If you really want to do it the cheapest way would be to buy a parts motor that is seized up or something. Buying it in pieces gets expensive. Post an ad on aomci.org in the webvertize or find out when a local swap meet is.

 

[F_R]

Re: Can I convert a 57 Johnson seahorse RD-19 35 hp to electric start?

Even a bare minimum cobbled-up system requires a starter, a starter mounting bracket, a solenoid, a start button, and a flywheel with a ring gear. Plus wiring. If you want an electric choke, that adds to the bill. The starter bracket is unique to that motor and the 1958 model with a flip-up hood. Johnson ONLY. So, they are kind of hard to find.

 

[oldbart]

Re: Can I convert a 57 Johnson seahorse RD-19 35 hp to electric start?

Thanks Guys. Looks like it might be easier? to just pull it I guess. I found a starter bracket on ebay for $22, one of my tabs that hold the cowling on was broken and I needed one anyway so that was a good purchase. Maybe I can get lucky and find a seized one for parts. Thanks for the AOMCI suggestion High Trim, thats a great idea.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Can I convert a 57 Johnson seahorse RD-19 35 hp to electric start?

Those old motors actually start relatively easy, if the ignition and carb are up to snuff. I have a few of those bigguns' that I hand start, even after sitting for years.