Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

brysonboat

Cadet
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
13
After my maiden voyage last weekend(for me and the boat) I am in need of a new recoil starter. Thankfully I was able to start the motor with a piece of rope wrapped around the flywheel or I probably wouldn't even be home yet! My motor is a 1980 25hp johnson j25rlcs, and there is a complete assembly on ebay from a 1978 35hp johnson 35r78r. It looks exactly the same as mine, but I was wondering if anyone knowswhat years/ models will interchange with mine. Thanks for any advice-Scott
 

bslayer

Cadet
Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
16
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

comparing motors on marineengine.com., the housing assembly looks to be the same. should inter change with no problems.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Why can't you repair the one you have ?? May be cheaper.
 

brysonboat

Cadet
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
13
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Why can't you repair the one you have ?? May be cheaper.

Boobie- By the time I added up all the small parts I need the used one is about1/3 the price! And I couldn't even find the rope itself on the parts site. Apparently it is 72-1/4" long and cut from bulk stock, but I couldn't see any way to order it. I am going to get a new pawl for my old one and put it back together for an emergency spare.
 

bslayer

Cadet
Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
16
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

you mentioning pawls, got me to thinking. the pawls was the difference in the parts break down of the two motors. i am not sure if the 35hp pawls will engage your 25hp flywheel. maybe some one with more knowledge will chime in. as far as starter rope, i just go to store such as walmart or hardware store and pick up some rope in a package and cut to length you need. i believe it is a 5/16" diameter.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Go to shop.evinrude.com, look up the two different starters and compare part #'s.
 

brysonboat

Cadet
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
13
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Well, I just looked up the part #'s and the pawl is a different part #. I guess my next question is can I just change the pawl? The spring part #'s are the same between the two.
Go to shop.evinrude.com, look up the two different starters and compare part #'s.
 

jasper60103

Commander
Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
2,055
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Well, I just looked up the part #'s and the pawl is a different part #. I guess my next question is can I just change the pawl? The spring part #'s are the same between the two.

Boats dot net indicates the "0324755 PAWL,Starter --- PAWL, Starter, PAWL,Starter"
is compatible on 25 and 35 hp between '79 - '84.

Just curious, did your recoil spring break?
Also, the starter rope can be bought from the dealer by the foot.

Its really a fairly easy repair. I did it on my '81 j25hp.

edit: Here's my thread for reference...
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=429874
 

brysonboat

Cadet
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
13
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

The recoil spring didn't break, but the pawl did, and the rope was severely frayed. Also the springs were tweaked. I think I may have tried to start it in gear as the interlock plastic pieces are also broken.
Boats dot net indicates the "0324755 PAWL,Starter --- PAWL, Starter, PAWL,Starter"
is compatible on 25 and 35 hp between '79 - '84.

Just curious, did your recoil spring break?
Also, the starter rope can be bought from the dealer by the foot.

Its really a fairly easy repair. I did it on my '81 j25hp.

edit: Here's my thread for reference...
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=429874
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

The pawls are different part numbers because they changed the composition of the plastic and made it a little heavier duty, not because of any significant change in design... They'll interchange.
 

brysonboat

Cadet
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
13
Re: Will a 1978 recoil starter fit a 1980?

Thats what I wanted to hear! So If I get a replacement for my broken one I would be better off with the 35 hp one right? Thanks-Scott
The pawls are different part numbers because they changed the composition of the plastic and made it a little heavier duty, not because of any significant change in design... They'll interchange.
 
Top