RDE-17 electric start part numbers 1955 25hp

[The red boat]

Hi all
I am trying to convert my 1955 Johnson 25hp RD-17 to an electric start RDE-17.
First – does anyone on this site have the parts I need for this conversion?
Second – can someone supply me the parts numbers so I can begin my search?

thanks
Casey

[Mumbles]

Here’s a 1955 Evinrude parts manual showing everything you’ll need in it. The Evinrude parts will be the same as the Johnson parts. Good luck!

55-Evinrude-25-hp-Electric-Parts-Manual

[The red boat]

thank you!

[frankr]

The Johnson starter bracket is different than the Evinrude bracket, because of the hood mounts. Also, the 6-volt brackets are different than the 12-volt if you get into that situation. Do your homework before buying parts.

[olcah]

I do not believe that there are any new 6 Volt starters. You are probably going to have to buy a 12V one or get a used 6V one. A 12v starter will probably not fit a 6 V starter bracket. The following thread may help (or possibly just add to the confusion.)

https://aomci.org/forums/topic/big-twin-correct-starter-identification/

[Mumbles]

Yup, my bad. Forgot about that starter bracket.

[Bob Wight]

OMC starter bracket part #376885 from a 1957 RD-19 will also fit a 1956 RD-18 and I THINK (not 100% sure) will also fit the 1955 RD-17. And that bracket has mounting holes to accommodate either a 6V or 12V starter. I used that bracket on my RD-18 electric starter conversion and comparing pictures I have of a 1955 RD-17 electric start, it looks like that bracket will also work on that motor.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

[The red boat]

do you know if the shroud/hood of the ’55 has the same holes that engage the tang on the starter bracket?
any suggestions on a new 12v starter that will work?

[Bob Wight]

Not sure about the ’55 hood configuration. An Arco 5376 12V starter will work. A less expensive option is a #5712N starter from Discount Starter & Alternator – I used that starter on my ’56 Johnson 30hp. Works fine.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

[billy-j]

You can put a starter on the motor to make it start electrically so you do not have to rope start it but if you want to do a correct conversion the carburetor is different (bottom of it has place to mount choke solenoid ) also some pieces of carb linkage are different and there is a mercury switch that is specific to the 1955 year. you can compare a parts breakdown diagram for electric start and manual rope start engine to see the different parts you need

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