Home › Forum › Ask A Member › 1956 Johnson Javelin “Barn Find” – Need Basic Info to Get Started
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RICHARD A. WHITE.
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April 13, 2026 at 7:45 pm #315338
there are numerous UTUBES on coil replacement … basically a magneto overalls. Under one coil is a small expensive little clip that holds a small felt which is for lubrification of the crankshaft to preventnt wear on the point’s rubbing blocks . replace it or at the very least add a few drops of oil . Some point kits provide felts. If you don’t have one you can cut one out of those sticky felt pads for furniture. add 2-3 drops of oil (I use GC oil) . Don’t lose the clip !!
all this stuff is in the bible so take some time to read the magneto section before tackling this ” new job” for you .
same for carbs
after doing all the magneto carb etc…. comes fine tuning the ignition not complicated really you can adjust the points with a VOM, a simple buzzer in series with a 9v battery or a small light bulb also in series
enjoy! Patience brings joy
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April 15, 2026 at 8:05 pm #315555Don,
quick question about wiring. The internal harness looks complete: two battery cables; a pair for starter and another pair for choke. The starter solenoid is under the cover. Do I still need a junction box? From what I can tell it houses the solenoid……
April 15, 2026 at 10:31 pm #315568Don,
quick question about wiring. The internal harness looks complete: two battery cables; a pair for starter and another pair for choke. The starter solenoid is under the cover. Do I still need a junction box? From what I can tell it houses the solenoid……
It seems like someone has update the wiring and placed the solenoid under the cover. This model does not have the wiring plug outlet connection on the side either, correct? If there is no side mounted wiring plug connection, then I’m sure you can rig up a home made wiring harness. I don’t think these models had a key switch, just two buttons: “start” and “choke”. The engine is shut off by pulling the throttle all the way back.
April 16, 2026 at 7:57 am #315589what is the status of coil conditon, condenser test. ignition poits plug wiring etc.. compression #s ? if it is a 2 wire start/choke wiring is pretty straight forward see manual. Was this rje18 e/w generator/charging feature (some were apparently) ? or a basic ob.
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April 16, 2026 at 9:22 am #315598Oh yeah, forgot about a possible generator… Generator wiring complicates the wiring issue a great deal. But, will guess there is no generator because the junction box seems to have been eliminated. Or, perhaps the generator is there, but not being used/belt removed.
Did the 6 volt engines even offer a generator option??
April 16, 2026 at 9:31 am #315599CHat GPT says yes some had the gen. option but in any event it could all be ripped out and if you do opt for a 12v starter and 12v solenoid modern AGM or Liph batteries will keep you going for a good while( magneto ignition needs no battery juice to work just accessories) .
You can recharge when you get back or leave a small solar pannel to do it .
if the solenoid is not abused (being infrequent use) try a automotive type resistor in series to drop/limit the voltage.
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April 16, 2026 at 7:38 pm #315632Thanks to you folks, I’m making some progress….
Attaching a few photos to hopefully clarify things:
1) solenoid?
2) choke?
3) starter
4 side view
Internal wiring appears complete: 2 battery cables; 2 starter wires; 2 choke wires.
Not sure what purpose a junction box would have for this setup?
April 16, 2026 at 8:03 pm #315635Choke?
April 16, 2026 at 8:05 pm #315637Choke photo
April 16, 2026 at 9:14 pm #315646i believe the junction bocx was just a mounting place for the generator regulator output and space to mount a solenoid. see manual some juction boxes just mount the solenoid as a mid point between battery and starter and a few other wires (start choke ) .
if you have not enough room to mount the solenoid you can build your own ” box” and use proper grommets in drilled holes to join the engine to the outside world. see manual
you photo of the solenoid looks like a Mcgiver system and exposes B+. that is why an external housing to mount it would be more appropriate (JMHO) and safer. bring engine wiring to the bobx to meet B+ and GRD as well as control wires for start shoke stop.
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