1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

[adt2]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

Argh. So far the hardest part about this whole project has been figuring out the exact model. I cannot find anything on the motor that identifies it. There doesn't appear to be anything on the transom clamp, unless I'm just looking in the wrong place. I removed the motor from the stand, laid it down on the ground with the forward side facing up, and moved the transom clamp from side to side. I cannot find anything that looks remotely like a riveted tag.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

Look under here:

 

[adt2]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

We have a winner! All it took was the helpful arrow from lindy46 (much obliged), a trip to Lowe's for some paint stripper, and a few minutes of waiting & scrubbing. Here's what was revealed:



So here's what I think I know now, thanks to you folks and a couple of other sources. The RDE-19 model was electric start, from the factory. It also did NOT come with a tiller. Some investigation of the tiller on my motor reveals blue paint underneath, which means somebody bolted it on after the fact (also explains why the tiller grip doesn't match the ones on the original 1957 models).

Somebody bolted on the tiller handle and then jury-rigged the electric start and choke controls by mounting the solenoid and a homemade kill switch inside the cowling. I'm still debating what to do about the electric start controls; that was a big selling point when I bought the motor - I'd like for my kids to be able to start this thing without assistance. I have to have tiller steer; my boat will have no provisions for remote steering. Ergo I need to get the kinks worked out of that setup (currently the throttle grip binds, only turning about 1/2" in either direction).

For the time-being, I'm going to focus on getting the motor running and replacing any necessary missing parts. I don't want to start a full-on restoration or renovation at this time, since this is the only motor I have and we'll need it if we want to go boating this summer. But come the fall, I'll be ready to strip the paint, rebuild necessary components, and generally make the thing shine.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

It would be a simple matter to wire a proper electric start system with a push button. I'd get a proper marine starter solenoid and mount it where that homemade "solenoid" is. Get two #4AWG battery cables (about 4' length), a short #4 to go from the solenoid to the starter, and some #10AWG wire, and a momentary push button switch. Looks like you already have the push button "kill switch" - which should have two wires going up under the magneto. Then wire a 4 foot battery cable from the positive battery terminal to the large "in" terminal of the solenoid along with a small #10 wire which will go to the push button. The small solenoid terminal next to the battery terminal will have a #10 wire going to the other pushbutton terminal. The next small solenoid terminal will go to ground (usually the cut-out siwtch on the motor). Of course the large "out" solenoid terminal connects to the starter via a short #4 cable. Then ground the negative battery terminal to the engine (usually on one of the starter bracket bolts) via the other 4 foot #4 cable. That's all there is to it.

 

[adt2]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

...That's all there is to it.

You're a funny guy, lindy46.

Actually, that was an outstanding step-by-step for setting up the electric start system, and probably simple enough that even I can follow it. In fact, I will probably use your description to verify that that's what's been done to my motor before I press any buttons and blow myself up.

 

[ridge]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

Any idea where I ought to start looking for missing parts? The motor is missing the front panel "insert" (the flat part that the stickers would go on and the knobs would stick through) along with a few grommets etc. I am assuming I can't order these new anywhere.

Things I for sure need to find:

• Control Panel & Transfer Assy (376897)
• Grommet (303983)
• Seal (304877)

Things I probably need to find:

• Screw (302761)
• Adjusting Lever - High Speed (304360)
• Grommet (303796)
• Choke Knob (303718)
• Adjusting Lever - Slow Speed (303847)
• Cotter Pin (41-163)
• Grommet (303535)
• Washer (202065)
• Spring (303518)
• Cover (303528)
• Grommet (303529)

I'm wondering if there are sources for this stuff, or if I need to be looking for a parts motor.

Hey Andy. I just came across this thread and seen you were looking for a parts motor. I'll be listing a Javelin RJE 19 motor on Ebay. I don't know how well its going to go because of shipping. I don't know if it runs. The guy I purchased it from said it normally turned over by hand, but something with the water pump prevents it from turning over. He said I had to do something with the pump. The hood is there but its corroded on the very bottom some. The hood chrome is mostly gone except the big chrome cover on the back and the 35 logo on one side. The control panel is there with the choke and speed knob. I will start the motor listing at $90 because that's what I paid for it. Just in case your still looking.

 

[leslielbk]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

Since all eyes are on this conversation, I thought I'd jump in with a few of my own questions: My Javelin 35 just got freed from the repairman, and now I need a battery - he said a 650 cca. But when I called around, there were size questions, starting or deep cycle...then I read a post from awhile back that you could use a low amp starter and keep it charged at home, so I posted that question and got a reply that said he likes to use the biggest battery and not to save a few dollars and get something smaller. I won't run this boat but every 2-3 weeks, so I'd like to ask battery advice. Thank you!!!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35HP - Help a New Guy

Since all eyes are on this conversation, I thought I'd jump in with a few of my own questions: My Javelin 35 just got freed from the repairman, and now I need a battery - he said a 650 cca. But when I called around, there were size questions, starting or deep cycle...then I read a post from awhile back that you could use a low amp starter and keep it charged at home, so I posted that question and got a reply that said he likes to use the biggest battery and not to save a few dollars and get something smaller. I won't run this boat but every 2-3 weeks, so I'd like to ask battery advice. Thank you!!!

Shouldnt really hijack a thread, I do seem to remember your question. If you really want to buy a small battery, buy one. I dont want to sound rude buy you have asked this question a few times now, almost as if you are hoping someone will justify your desire to spend as little as possible on your battery. It will fire on a 550 CCA battery, so if that is what you really want get one, I just dont personally reccomend it, but ultimately it is your decision.