'58 Johnny Seahorse, Electric start????

Just got said motor for quite cheap, had battery cables, and starter motor, book lists this motor as either rewind or electric start. I am thinking this will need extra parts i.e. lighting coil, more wiring, worth it? I have no problem pulling on a cord.. Any ideas, thoughts, sugesstions......

Re: '58 Johnny Seahorse, Electric start????

If you have a starter motor, you'll get hundreds of starts off of a marine battery without having to recharge. Generally speaking, getting the generator, generator bracket, belt and regulator to charge the battery is not worth the cost. At best it delivers all of 10 amps.<br /><br />As for running the electric start, all you need is a solenoid, battery, switch for the choke and kill, and associated wiring. Simple, cheap stuff anyway. I left the pull start on my 28hp along with the electric start, just in case the battery wasn't aboard, or charged.<br /><br />If you like to tinker and want to add charging, a chevy sprint (geo metro) alternator is the place to start I hear.<br /><br />I hope this is the sort of reply you're looking for.

Re: '58 Johnny Seahorse, Electric start????

I carry 2 batteries on mine, one for starting and one for everything else. Charge them at the house or camp site, and spend the money it would have cost for the charging system on other stuff!

Re: '58 Johnny Seahorse, Electric start????

My old 33 evinrude will start for 4 days of heavy use on a battery that includes running lights at night and everything.

Re: '58 Johnny Seahorse, Electric start????

Also, consider a solar trickle charger to keep the battery topped off - far less money and a lot less work than finding a 40-year old generator system and requisite parts...<br />- Scott