RD 16 setup

[brian]

I recently found this Johnson RD 16 (not an "E") with the recoil removed and a different flywheel added with an Autolite Starter. I figure there was a retro fit that included keeping the recoil starter in place. Anyone seen anything like this?

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Attachments:

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

I think the recoil was on all of them, but not all had electric starters…

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[ADAM GIBB]

That motor was offered with electric start, but that unit is clearly robed from an Evinrude. The flywheel is later, at least 1957. Check to be sure that the taper is right. Not sure if a 35 hp flywheel indexes in that same spot as a 25 for timing. The recoil will fit over the flywheel, not sure why they would have left it off. The starter bracket has the mount for the recoil.

[brian]

Thanks Adam. This motor was tinkered with in the past. Someone tried to convert to a fuel pump but they gave up after removing the engine end connector. I pulled pieces of fabric insulation out of the top cylinder thru the spark plug hole. It’s going to need taken apart before any attempt of starting it. I will search for the correct flywheel and recoil starter.

[dan-in-tn]

Dont think the RD-16 motor cover will fit over that starter setup? Not even sure an electric start model motor cover will fit over this setup? The covers were different between the models. Others will chime in, but have you tried the motor cover over all of this? Don’t forget to take that into consideration.

Dan in TN

[frankr]

I sort of believe the electric start motor cover will fit. (Or maybe not). But you probably already know that, if you have the cover. If you don’t have it, well that’s another consideration.

[brian]

I removed the RD 16 original covers off of it before I took this picture. The decals were correct for a RD model according to pictures I found. The pressure tank has the dealer name stenciled on the bottom. Unfortunately it has mostly faded over time but it was located in East Peoria, Illinois.

[brian]

Okay, so I found pictures of the RDE and RD covers. My covers have the decals of a RDE. That helps explain why the covers fit.

[brian]

From the Johnson Service Manual:
"Basically, Models RD-16 and RDE-16 (electric starting) are alike in construction except
for the built-in starting motor with pinion drive, a ring gear bolted to a flywheel of somewhat
different design". The choke solenoid is also noted here.
The next step is removal of the flywheel to check the taper as suggested by Adam1961, then check the starter motor. It turns by hand but no idea if it works. The cover situation is resolved as it is an RDE cover same as noted in the service manual. Magneto inspection to follow then removal of the cylinder head to see what else was deposited in the cylinder over many years of storage.

[ADAM GIBB]

That starter is larger 6V version. It will run on 12V, but check the choke solenoid. The early 12V ones were marked on the bottom as such. A 6V solenoid won’t last too long on 12V.
Those are great engines. I have a 1953 RD that is a great runner!

[Author]

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