Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

[59seaskiff]

I am converting my restored old Johnson 35HP motor from rope start to electric, w/electric choke. I have seen on other forums that I will need a geared flywheel, a solonoid and starter, starter bracket, starter button and wiring harness. I have not seen what I need for the choke.

I recently purchased a donor motor which has a geared flywheel, but not the other parts I need. The motor will be used on my 1957 Lyman 16.5 foot runabout, which was previously fitted for electric start/remote controls. So I have the button, but not necessarily the wiring (needs to be checked out).

First Question: Where do I get the parts needed, and is this a reasonable project to do myself given no experience with outboard repairs? I'm willing to learn, but want this done right.

Next issue: Both restored and donor motors are long shaft. I should probably entertain converting to short shaft as this would fit the boat better. Opinions on that one please as well....what's involved, can I do it, where to get parts, etc.

Thank you in advance for any help on these questions......

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

Longshafts are rare, bad luck that you have 2 of them, lol. What model numbers do you have? Are you certain they have the extension? Any pics?

Not an overly difficult project. We can talk you through it for sure. Hard part is rounding everything up.

The cheapest and easiest option would be to find a 50 dollar parts motor that is seized up or something and pull the parts needed off of it. Buying it all individually will add up a bit. The wiring harness will be the hardest to find in good condition. You can buy them new, but they are not cheap. Does you motor even have a receptacle for the wiring harness? Likely not in the front cowl. Might be easiest to drill a hole in the lower cowl, and make your own harness hard wired to the motor. I have done that many, many times, especially on the '56 models without a plug.

The electric choke is part number 385554. I tried to find one reasonably priced for you on ebay, but the prices right now are a bit crazy!

Johnson Carburetor Group Parts for 1957 35hp RJE-19 Outboard Motor

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

High trim - Thanks - it appears that you have responded to both of my threads. I m told that there is a five inch extention on longshafts that indeed can be seen on both of these motors. On the donor motor, the extention is not painted. Would offer a picture but am not at my camp currently, which is where my motors are kept.

When I get back to the camp on Friday, I will look for a plug for the harness. Where should I find it? I doubt if it is there only because the motor was always rope started in its prior life. How would I find an electric start donor motor for parts? I understand that the starter bracket is unique to this model only (or was that the 1958 Javelin? I forgot.).

Seems like hard wiring and making my own harness is the way to go. Glad you can talk me through this. It is a comfort knowing you guys with knowledge are so accessible here.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

Forgot to tell you that both motors are RD-19. From what I have read, they are a great motor. So I am looking forward to good and reliable service.......

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

Post a wanted ad at aomci.org in the webvertize section and hopefully a member local to you has a parts motor he will sell. Most of us do and need the room! lol

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

Post a wanted ad at aomci.org in the webvertize section and hopefully a member local to you has a parts motor he will sell. Most of us do and need the room! lol

High Trim: Done!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

I normally stock alot of the choke solenoids, but have been restoring alot of '56 Big Twins lately and I convert them to 12 volts as they come as a 6 volt motor. The choke solenoid is one of the items that needs to be replaced.

 

[59seaskiff]

Re: Conversion of 1957 35HP Johnson RD-19 to Electric Start/Choke

Longshafts are rare, bad luck that you have 2 of them, lol. What model numbers do you have? Are you certain they have the extension? Any pics?

Not an overly difficult project. We can talk you through it for sure. Hard part is rounding everything up.

The cheapest and easiest option would be to find a 50 dollar parts motor that is seized up or something and pull the parts needed off of it. Buying it all individually will add up a bit. The wiring harness will be the hardest to find in good condition. You can buy them new, but they are not cheap. Does you motor even have a receptacle for the wiring harness? Likely not in the front cowl. Might be easiest to drill a hole in the lower cowl, and make your own harness hard wired to the motor. I have done that many, many times, especially on the '56 models without a plug.

The electric choke is part number 385554. I tried to find one reasonably priced for you on ebay, but the prices right now are a bit crazy!

Johnson Carburetor Group Parts for 1957 35hp RJE-19 Outboard Motor

View attachment 198365

High Trim....
I am encouraged by your willingness to talk me through this conversion. I am not going to start this as yet, since I have other higher priority taks regarding the boat and motors I just purchased. I will reopen this thread later when I am ready. Hope you will be around!