1960 Evinrude 18 Electric Conversion

I am in the process of doing an electric start conversion on a 1960 Evinrude 18. The motor is tiller steer. I have the bracket and starter mounted. Hopefully someone can help me with the following:

1. Where is the best place to have the battery cables exit the cowl at?

2. I don't have the original style solenoid brackets. Are there other creative alternatives to mount an aftermarket solenoid? What solenoid alternatives have people had success with?

3. Do most people just add another momentary start button opposite of the kill button?

Pictures would be good if anyone has any on these three items. I have been through the ignition, carburetor, cooling and lower unit. This is the last major task before paint restoration. Thanks for the help.

Re: 1960 Evinrude 18 Electric Conversion

I haven't seen a reply. How do most people route the cables out of the motor and what type of start switch do they use? Thanks.

Re: 1960 Evinrude 18 Electric Conversion

Well, I can tell you how I did one. I drilled a hole in the lower cover and used a rubber grommet to run the cables through.
They make a marine solenoid for older style engines that have mounting ears on them, might make it easier to mount.
For a start switch you can use another stop button or a marine grade push button switch.

Re: 1960 Evinrude 18 Electric Conversion

Thanks for the response. I ended up using a DPDT toggle that is momentary only on one side. This allowed me to run the mag/ignition on the regular circuit and the starter solenoid off of the momentary side. It fit right next to the choke knob in the recessed controls area. I mounted a marine solenoid under the hood and ran the wires through the hole the old kill switch was in, like a regular wiring harness. It works very well. Much better than hand cranking.

Re: 1960 Evinrude 18 Electric Conversion

That's what's so good about working on these old motors, do it the way you want and it is the correct way. That's a good idea on the toggle switch, I might have to use your idea the next time I do one.