How hard to convert a mercury Mark55 to an electric start?

[twinrudes]

After pulling the rope start on this ’55 Mark 55 to check compression, I realize its
killing my already messed up shoulder.
Contemplating an electric start for it?
How much of the engine, cowling, or what else is needed?
Any direction would be helpful.
Ideally, If I could find a Mark55e,that would solve the problem, Already tried that! haha!
Thanks,
John

[westwind]

I depends a bit on how original you want it to be. The pan is different on an electric start for the harness to go thorough. I guess you could cut your own holes? Basically it would be easiest to have a donor motor, or use your good parts on a 55e. You could likely get a deal on one with a seized power head. They you would have many spares, lower unit etc.

[jw-in-dixie]

Really simple if you can find the parts. 😐

Change flywheel, add alternator and $6 Radio Shack rectifier if you want to charge a battery, obtain and mount a starter and solenoid, cables to a battery, mount a starter button somewhere handy, and, subject to correction, I think that will do it and save your shoulder.

Here’s a pic of a Mark 30 modified. Good luck. 😀 JW in Dixie

[chris-p]

I think I have 1 starter/solenoid/wiring left if you are going to go that route.

[jeff-register]

TwinRudes,
I have an E-start lower cowl from a Mark 55 if interested E mail me for pics Jeff.50@cox.net. & give me a good price for both of us,
Jeff

[billy-j]

I would have to say if your asking this question your not really familiar with Mercury engines.I am not saying this to be funny or mean it’s just the reality. Mercury engines look cool but the parts for them are very hard to find unless you have been collecting them for years and know a lot of people that have been into them for years. your only good option would be to find a complete electric start engine of the same exact model year. Mercury was changing a lot of parts from 1954 and the next several years regarding the electric start systems. They would even change parts mid year if they came up with a better idea. I have gone thru the same thought with a 1954 mark 50 which is even more rare what I found out was to buy parts piece meal to convert was almost impossible. I gave up because my engine was all original and did not want to turn it into a Frankenstein engine and ruin it’s value. If I were you I would leave it alone as you are going to find out even getting the parts you need to get it running as is might be a challenge and expensive in itself. If you had a mid 1950’s Johnson or Evinrude big twin you could accomplish electric start very easily. But a Mercury $$$$$$. Good Luck. Regards Bill,

[billy-j]

I want to add one other remark about your engine. Pulling it over on a stand to check compression is a lot different ( Harder) than pulling a ready to run engine on the boat. If it is a good running engine it will pull over pretty easy and start. Bill

[jw-in-dixie]

I agree with Billy j; my fours were much easier to pull-start than are the twos. Ready to run with a squirt of fuel into the carb and they start when the first piston (90 degrees vs.180 on a two) is sparked they fire and run.

[dave-bernard]

1 you have to KNOW 2 things about your motor
I will accept a 2 bolt starter (delco) or a swing starter.
2 is the crank a small or large taper.
if large I may have what you need.
call me 1 914 310 7086. Dave.

[twinrudes]

quote Billy J:

I would have to say if your asking this question your not really familiar with Mercury engines.I am not saying this to be funny or mean it’s just the reality. Mercury engines look cool but the parts for them are very hard to find unless you have been collecting them for years and know a lot of people that have been into them for years. your only good option would be to find a complete electric start engine of the same exact model year. Mercury was changing a lot of parts from 1954 and the next several years regarding the electric start systems. They would even change parts mid year if they came up with a better idea. I have gone thru the same thought with a 1954 mark 50 which is even more rare what I found out was to buy parts piece meal to convert was almost impossible. I gave up because my engine was all original and did not want to turn it into a Frankenstein engine and ruin it’s value. If I were you I would leave it alone as you are going to find out even getting the parts you need to get it running as is might be a challenge and expensive in itself. If you had a mid 1950’s Johnson or Evinrude big twin you could accomplish electric start very easily. But a Mercury $$$$$$. Good Luck. Regards Bill,

Bill,
No offense taken, you are correct in your assumption!!
New to outboards for the most part, been an inboard wooden boat guy for years.
Restoring a vintage 55 Lyman with a 55 Mark 55, I really like these engines.
Ideally I’d like to find a 55 E engine, I am not wanting to modify this engine at all.
I think I’m going to just clean this engine up, and keep it.
I’ll keep looking for a 1955 electric start Merc.
Any ideas anyone?
Thanks,
John

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