The infamous MDH 4001M

[Nicholas Keller]

Is there a direct replacement for this starter that screws into the bracket without modification. The bracket is off a 1956 evinrude fastwin and installed on a  1070 Johnson 25. I don’t care if it is 6 or 12 v just don’t want to get another bracket or modify the existing one. Unfortunately regarding this cursed Autolite MDH 4001M all the information I have come across is either useless, inaccurate or completely contradicts the last thing I have read about it.

[Bob Wight]

I believe that starter is a 6 volt model and that bracket has a 2-1/4″ bolt spacing for the starter mount bolts.   As far as I know, all modern 12 volt starters have a 2-1/2″ bolt spacing, so a 12 volt starter will not mount up on the 1956 bracket.  If you don’t want to replace the bracket, you’ll have to somehow find another 6 volt replacement starter or if you already have a 4001M that doesn’t work, get that starter rebuilt.  You can run a 6v starter off a 12v battery, just for shorter bursts.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
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."

• This reply was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by Bob Wight.

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Nicholas Keller

[Nicholas Keller]

That sums it up pretty clearly. I have yet to ascertain the starter that I have as far as function is concerned. Having clarity on the matter is nice just so I know what is what before doing so is helpful. I am cautiously optimistic but fully realize that there is a high likelihood I might have a 6 pound paper weight.

[Author]

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