RD17 electric start

[John O’Shea]

I have an 1955 RDE17 with bad compression. I have found an RD17 in great shape. I really want the electric start. Is it a major project to switch the electric start from one motor to the other?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

John

[fleetwin]

No, it is surely not tough to swap the electric start pieces from one engine to the other.  Keep in mind that yours is a 6 volt system, unless things have been changed.  Have you pulled the head on the low compression engine?  Perhaps just the head gasket is blown.

[John O’Shea]

Thanks for response fleetwin.

Doing some other research I’m told since the engine sat for almost 20 years it’s possible after getting it running that the compression may come up to an acceptable range. I think I’ll give that a shot first

[fleetwin]

Yes, I would definitely have a closer look before condemning it.   Is the paint on the block discolored, if so that would indicate an overheat.  It is possible that someone ran it light on oil, or perhaps the rings are stuck.  Or, like you say, the readings might just be low because the engine has been sitting.  What are the current compression readings?

[outboardnut]

[John O’Shea]

Thanks fleetwin and outboardnut for your input.

Current compression is 70/65. One thing I’ve noticed is when plugs are in motor barely wants to turn over, either electric or recoil  start. No where near enough spin for engine to fire. Remove 1 plug it gets a little easier, remove 2nd plug, easier yet. Which in my simple mind would mean there’s plenty of compression, or am I missing something?

 

J

[Mumbles]

Did you lubricate those cylinders before cranking it over?  They will be dry from sitting so spraying lube of some kind thru the spark plug holes  might help it turn over.  Also, the gearcase should be immersed in water to lubricate the impeller.

[John O’Shea]

Thanks, Mumbles.

I tipped engine up as far as possible, it’s still on the boat, poured in maybe an ounce of 2 cycle oil into each cylinder, slowly pulled it over by hand then let sit for a while before I tried to get it to crank

[dave-bernard]

does it have an exhaust relief on it and working?

[fleetwin]

make sure the gearcase is full of fresh lube as well before attempting to start it.

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