'59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

[dutchtech]

It appears that this RDSL-21 was designed and originally sold as a pull start but I could be wrong. Only then, someone added a starter and wiring but removed the compression relief cam, lifters, brackets and linkage. (Parts 12 thru 18, 47, 48) I would like to put this back to original so I can have the ease of pull starting it if the starter or battery fails. Any recommendations on the need to do or not restore to original and who might you all know who might have a few linkage parts laying around?

 

[coolguy147]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

i would not really bother with the compression relief. not much of a difference. i poursonally i do not want it because it causes more resistance.

 

[F_R]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

It appears that this RDSL-21 was designed and originally sold as a pull start but I could be wrong. Only then, someone added a starter and wiring but removed the compression relief cam, lifters, brackets and linkage. (Parts 12 thru 18, 47, 48) I would like to put this back to original so I can have the ease of pull starting it if the starter or battery fails. Any recommendations on the need to do or not restore to original and who might you all know who might have a few linkage parts laying around?

RDS-xx means electric start from the factory. But yes, they do also have recoil start as a backup (in case you have a dead battery)

If you and anybody else that may be driving the boat are strong enough to pull it without the compression relief, it actually will start better. But you obviously can't start it if you can't pull it, so that's why they put the relief on them.

 

[dutchtech]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

Thanks for the tip on the RDS-xx. Some answers can be so obvious if you understand the lingo. I also understand the compression relief system will actually relieve the compression from the mid 100's to the low-100's, thus making the pull a lot easier. This older engine is a new purchase for me and I have yet to try to pull the cord myself cold or hot. I assume having the engine warmed up will allow the pull to be somewhat easier. Are many of you in the know, surprised to hear that owner's are disabling this feature? Footnote, I did find a lot of these missing parts tonight in supply in a shop in the N.E.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

Out in the water, put your left foot on the hand starter assembly, just to the let of the pull rope outlet and give it a swift pull with both hands.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

the flywheel is right there???

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

You'll pull your arm/shoulder off trying to cold start those with the recoil/rope starter...but they re-start with little effort after the engine has run and warmed up. Look at your flywheel...there should be notch machined into it so you can wrap a rope around the flywheel and pull start it that way...much easier on the arm/shoulder as the larger diameter of the flywheel gives you more leverage. Send me a pm, I think I have the compression relief stuff you are looking for...I have half a dead RDS-20 or 21 in the shop.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

Well, I wouldn't try it, but out on the lakes I've seen some people do some of the wildest things.

 

[KB1]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

The only ease of pulling on this would be that your cousin or best friend is the Incredible Hulk!!!



Seriously!!

 

[bktheking]

Re: '59 Johnson 35hp - Need for missing parts

Yup, the 40 big twin next door has no comp relief on it, I pulled the tendons in my arm last year after 4 pulls cold, not fun.