ignition plates from 1961 usaeable 1959 Johnson 5.5HP

[blackd]

I have 2 5.5 HPs, 59 and 61. The 59 is without the ignition plate. Can I remover the 61 plate and mount on the 59? They appear to attached differently. 61 is ~90 degrees off from the 59.

 

[F_R]

Good question. The complete plate assembly has the same part number for both years, but the bare plate has different numbers. So, I don't know what the story is. I have a gut feeling they are the same. The main thing to look out for is at some time a "fire ring" was added. So if neither (or both) have a groove around the outside rim, they should swap OK.

I don't know what you mean by mounting differently. That can't be. They used the same mounting for at least 20 years or more.

 

[HighTrim]

I was going to say, absolutely, should be no issues. I have totes full of mag plates in my basement though, and was bored, so went down to investigate.

Almost all of the mag plates for your '59 will have 580210 stamped on them. Now, some have a dash after the 580210, such as a D for example in one case. Some of those, will be missing mounting holes for the cam for example, or other mounting holes for plug wire clips, etc... Almost all were exactly identical though.

Same for the 580360 plates from '61. Almost all looked identical to the '59 plates. I did find a couple though, with same numbers stamped on them, that were different. Different style cams, with different mounting holes for example.

There are some as well, with deeper bulbous holes or cavities, where the coil sits, than others. If you try to use one of these, when you tighten the flywheel, the cavity portion of the mag plate will catch on the powerhead, locking it up. That one had me scratching my head once. Same part number cast into the mag plate.

So, I likely didn't help you understand any better what will work for you, I apologize. I can say in almost all instances you will be fine though. Just to note, there are some rare examples where it will not work.

 

[blackd]

Thanks guys. I'll try it. Realized the attachment ring was probably just turned. Will check positions on both motors compared to flywheel key.

 

[blackd]

Just a follow up to close this comment. I replaced my bad 61 power head with the 59. Used the 61 the ignition plate, added a fuel pump and at first had difficulty getting the motor started. I had to use a little starting fluid for it to fire, but it is starting well now.

So, I have my little kicker motor back just in time for boating season.