Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

tinkertinker

Seaman
Joined
Jun 8, 2007
Messages
50
I'm not sure if my year is 6 Volts or 12 Volts. 1957 # 25930

I've read here that it is ok to use the 12V battery in short bursts, and the starter should be fine. But I have the push-button choke solenoid, too, and don't know whether using 12v might fry that.

I look forward to knowing more so I can give back to these great forums.

-Tinker
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

Carefully jump the starter directly with 12 volts you'll be able to tell if its a 6 volt or not. Hook up the cables, touch the ground connection last at the motor.
I wouldn't reccomend putting 12 through the solenoid.
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
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May 4, 2004
Messages
4,690
Re: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

Just a thought.

Get two 6volt batteries and wire them in parallel. If the engine cranks properly and the solenoid operates then you can assume its a 6 volt system and leave the two batteries connected in parallel.

If the engine does not crank properly then it is almost certain to be 12 volt. Therefore connect the batteries in series to give 12 volts and use them like that.
 

tinkertinker

Seaman
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Jun 8, 2007
Messages
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Re: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

I'm out looking for clues. I like the two 6v idea, but since I have spare 12v around and no 6v... I'm going to hunt some more.

this article duckworksmagazine seems to say that 1956 was the last year for 6v for the big twins.
 

tinkertinker

Seaman
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Jun 8, 2007
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Solved: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

Solved: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

Hooray! The manual says 1957 was the magic year- 12 v. : )
 

lindy46

Captain
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Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Electric Start Voltage, 1957 Evinrude

Correct - 1956 was the last year for 6 volt system.
 
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