RDE-17 electric start part numbers 1955 25hp

[The red boat]

Billy-j
Yes I’ve been looking at all the parts needed and you are absolutely correct.
All I’m really want to do is add an electric starter to avoid the rope pull like you say. I rarely need to choke the motor – even when cold and certainly not after it’s started. Not sure about the mercury switch either. Could it be as simple as getting the correct flywheel, starter and breaker and a solenoid?

[billy-j]

a 1955 flywheel with teeth has a different part number than a 1956 flywheel. I would get the 1955 as a different part number means something is different or a change has been made. I think the1955 and 1956 starter 6 volt are the same and 55 and 56 bracket are the same. as said the starter can be run on 12 volt or you could use a 6 volt battery. You would also need a solenoid and the # 4 cables for the starter. That would be the minimum you would need.

[The red boat]

I’ve received a lot of good advice from members of this forum so hopefully my contribution helps others.
I am in the middle of converting my 1955 RD-17 to an electric start RDE-17.
Below are the parts I have acquired, their source and part numbers. Everyone should verify this for your own particular motor before purchasing parts but these have worked well for me:

Item / Manufacturer / Source / Quantity

1957 Johnson starter bracket / Johnson original equipment / Ebay / 1
Replacement Starter – MDO4002M / Parts Player / Amazon / 1
Flywheel part #580177 / Johnson original equipment / Ebay / 1
Starter Solenoid SW058 / Arco / Ebay / 1
RDE Carburetor / Johnson original equipment / Private Seller / 1
Carburetor Rebuild kit #7024 /Laing’s Outboards / Laings / 1
Resistor for choke solenoid #8NE10306 / Tisco / Amazon / 1
4 AWG Battery Ground Cable 6 feet long / Autozone / 1
4 AWG Starter Cable 4 feet long / Windy Nation / Amazon / 1
4 AWG Battery Cable 2 feet long / Windy Nation / Amazon / 1
Starter Switch #11781 / Sea Choice / Amazon / 1
Choke Switch #11781 / Sea Choice / Amazon / 1
Wiring harness from dash to solenoid 16AWG 4 conductor 25ft part #E3615 / Carol / Amazon / 1
Switch mounting plate for L75-22 switches / Watson’s Streetworks / Watson’s / 1
Mercury Switch Part #376323 Johnson original equipment / Ebay / 1

total cost so far for all of the above is around $350.

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