Johnson 1953-54 Rd-15 25HP: Manual to Electric Conversion

[Marcel Kahn]

Hi AOMCI Fam.,

Hoping for assistance. I have a Johnson RD-15 (25HP) which I’d like to convert to electric start. I’ve done an electric start conversion for a 1955 RD-17 and have a good understanding of the process. What I need help with is identifying the right compatible part numbers and models of motors to gather parts from.

Compatible parts I’m looking for:
Flywheel

Electric starter motor

Bracket for starter motor

 

Thank you!

MK

[fleetwin]

Sorry bud, don’t have a parts book for that model, hoping someone here does.

We miss you Frank!

1 user thanked author for this post.

Tubs

[crosbyman]

try contacting  marineengine.com  and ask them if they still have a f parts file  for  your project

if  they don’t post it on the site they may still  have a copy they can send you.

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[seakaye12]

No luck so far in finding a manual but ran across this thread which you might find interesting:

https://www.aomci.org/forums/topic/johnson-rde-16-voltage/

[seakaye12]

Then….A member posted back in 2021 that he has a RDE-16 Parts Manual for sale:

 

[seakaye12]

And here’s a RDE-16 Parts Manual on ebay for $6.95.

You can buy it….scan it…..and then share it here for the rest of us!

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=186349251409

[olcah]

I looked into adding electric start to a 1954 25HP Johnson (Maybe it was a 1954 Evinrude 25 HP) a few years ago.   Hope to be wrong but …      I recall that the powerhead casting for the 1954 electric start differed from the manual only powerhead casting.  The electric start casting had an additional threaded hole for a screw that supports the starter bracket.  Anyhow look at the upper screws supporting the bracket and be sure the powerhead can accept them.

As you know OMC fixed this to allow conversion in 1955.

 

[labrador-guy]

Marcel, here is what I know!  I took the electric start from a 1955 evinrude 25hp and installed it on a 1957  35hp Evinrude, it fit fine.  You can see my build in the current projects tread in this website.   I built two electric start motors last fall and winter.  I had to so some work on the 55 flywheel to be used on the second 35.  That motor is yet to be tested.  6 volt starter works good on 12 volts so far!

dale

membership has it’s privileges!

get’em wet….don’t let’em set!

[billy-j]

1954 was the first year for electric start. 1953 and earlier never had electric start. 1953 and earlier had no provisions for electric start regarding engine castings. If you have a 1954 engine you can add electric start, but you have to change many of the original parts. I have looked into this as I have a 1953 engine. For the 1954 engine you need the flywheel, recoil start, engine hood for electric start, carburetor and carburetor linkages and solenoid assembly and starter and bracket. wiring harness and choke and start switch’s. Waise of time. Just get an electric start engine model.

[seakaye12]

 

“The DynaStart” from Lausen  Specialty Company in Gainesville  Texas

 

[Author]

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