Johnson RDE 16 voltage ?

[joecb]

Hello all… a friends Johnson RDE 16 , 1954 25 HP electric start… is that a 6 volt system? If so, I understand that 12 V on the starter will be OK but needs a resistor on the choke solenoid .. any info on the resistor needed ?

Joe B

[chris-p]

Yes that is a 6 volt system originally. The starter will be ok with a 12 volt battery, as long as you don’t crank the heck out of it. As you state though, you will fry the choke solenoid. The easy fix is to simply swap the choke solenoid for a 12 volt one. A wanted ad in the classifieds should get you one fairly cheap. Ill post the wiring diagram made by Frank Robb below.

Ill also post the wiring diagram to run a resistor inline. I forget the exact NAPA part number I have used, but Ill dig it out.

[chris-p]

[chris-p]

Here is what I do and swap out the choke solenoid

[chris-p]

Here is your original wiring diagram

[joecb]

thanks guys… always good info here

Joe B

[wiscoboater]

Wont 12 volts blow out the starter? I remember doing that to one as a kid. Blew the whole gear assembly off of it. What makes it work with 12 volts so as not to damage the starter? I’m not questioning you guys. I’m just trying to figure out what I did wrong years ago. If I come across another I would like to do it right this time.

[frankr]

12V won’t hurt the starter unless you crank it for a long time. On the other hand excessive cranking time will overheat the starter no mater what. You will find that 12V will crank that motor very easily, whereas 6V will struggle to turn it over. Struggling on 6V will actually overheat it quicker then freely spinning on 12V. In fact, if it doesn’t start & run almost immediately on 12V, something is wrong, so stop and fix the situation.

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