1956 Johnson 30hp Questions

[Lightshaper1967]

Hi All, I am new to this forum and new to old boats. I have a 1956 Johnson pull-start and wonder 1) is there a decompression to make pull-starting easier? 2) If not, can it be converted to electric start? This will be going on a 1958 Richline Knight which has a small bow deck and steering system. Thanks In Advance!

 

[F_R]

No compression relief. It can be converted to electric start, but the starter mounting brackets for that motor are pretty rare, due to the Johnson hood mount prong. Be aware that the '56 was 6 Volt, and '57 was 12 Volt. Either will work on your motor, but the starter must match the bracket.

 

[racerone]

------Have not worked on one in a long time.----Post some pictures.------Yes it can be changed to electric start.

 

[Lightshaper1967]

From what I have found, the decompression/compression relief is to pull the rope until it first stops, then pull the rest of the way as normal. I'm having the steering redone in the boat at the moment so I can't be 100% if this is true. Thanks all!

 

[racerone]

No ---The decompression on 1950's models was operated by an arm off the recoil starter.----It moved out when operated to open valves in the cylinder head.---Post picture of the cylinder head on your motor !!

 

[jimmbo]

The Compression Relief was introduced in 1957 on the 35 HP, it was continued until about 1961 or 62, on the 40 HP models.

 

[82rude]

Slightly off topic .Does your 30 have the variable pitch prop?I still have mine,its such a neat item.

 

[tomhath]

I'd wait until you can try it mounted on the transom of the boat. Pull starting it might not be that bad. Okay, maybe two hands on the rope and a foot on the transom...but it was done back in the day.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

Yeah, my 25hp evinrude seemed like a real bear to start on the stand as I didnt have the proper leverage.

Now that its on the boat its a breeze.

 

[oldboat1]

Be on the lookout for a donor motor with electric start. In the meantime, refresh/replace magneto parts, and put in a fresh impeller. Mounted on the transom, if your motor is correctly tuned, you should be able to start it without too much difficulty.

 

[kbait]

When properly tuned, all J/E rope starts should fire up 3 pulls cold w/choke, 1/4 pull warm. Not news to most of ya..
One pull cold if it’s newer and has primer instead of choke