Johnson 55 hp electric start conversion.

maineiac5586

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I'm looking into putting a starter motor on this 55 hp 1987 tiller motor. I have a starter from a 40 and a 50 hp 2 cylinder but the bolt holes don't line up properly with the block. Also the cable lug on the bottom of the starter contacts the lower cowling near the fuel connector area. Thought this would bolt right on. I tried a starter from a 60 hp 3 cylinder but no good either. Are the blocks different on the 55 vs the 50 and 48 40 ? Anyone be able to tell me a part number for a starter to work on this gem? Assuming I can keep the same flywheel? Here's some pics. Thank you. My shoulder will thank you also if it doesn't have to be tortured pulling the recoil. Last picture is of the starters I tried to install
 

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saltchuckmatt

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Last conversion I did was on a 35 and I had to swap out the flywheel as well. Not sure on that motor.

You need to find a parts motor.
 

maineiac5586

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I have the other parts like solenoid and start switch parts. I'm going to try starter number 0389275 based on a similar year electric start 55 hp. I compared cylinder block part numbers are the same between the motor I ordered the starter for and my cylinder block so in theory it should bolt up.
 

saltchuckmatt

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Here is the electrical kit you would need to convert to a starter system. Remember, you also need a charging kit to keep your battery powered so it's not as simple as one might think. A comparable parts motor is the way to go here otherwise a bionic arm might be another possibility.

Look over this kit and get familiar with it.

 

maineiac5586

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racerone

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Willing to bet that those 2 starters are assembled wrong.-----Bottom cap not lined up with the notch.
 

maineiac5586

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Ok I got the right starter. Part number 586280. Do I need a different flywheel or am I good to go?
 

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Crosbyman

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....Remember, you also need a charging kit to keep your battery powered


try a solar panel to trickle charge the battery when not in use
 

rolmops

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....Remember, you also need a charging kit to keep your battery powered


try a solar panel to trickle charge the battery when not in use

The electric start kit has a rectifier which will slowly charge your battery if you run it at a decent rpm .
 

racerone

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The electric start kit is listed as NLA.----All one needs is the starter motor , solenoids are a dime a dozen, some wires , battery and a push button.----A good battery will start a motor in good condition for many , many starts.
 

tphoyt

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Agreed.
That’s all I did on an 02 40hp. I charge the battery at the start of summer and keep it topped off with a solar charger. It lasts all season with not problems.
 
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