1974 Evinrude 25 hp electric start

zackduncan40

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I have a 1974 25 hp evinrude motor and I need the switch that plugs into the electric start. I have the starter and everything put in, I just don't have the button that actually starts it... And I can't figure out what it's called in a parts catalog... So what is it called?? Like the actual button that you push to start the motor
 

F_R

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There are several part numbers that will work. 171854, 390951, 583925 are a few. Or you can use an universal push button switch. iboats has 'em. Technically, it is a SPST N.O. push button switch.
 

racerone

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There are different ways to do this.-----You can look on----shop.evinrude.com----for all the parts under the ---wiring harness-----page.----Some of this stuff is NLA or pricy.--------If you understand voltage / amps and wiring you can make this all up yourself.
 

zackduncan40

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F_R: what should I search in iboats to find what I need? I don't see that switch on the page that has my motors parts
 

Chrisravosa36

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Copy and paste this into your browser, the first one that comes up on ebay should work, I know its not your year, but look in the simular searches and you should find it, im not sure if they are universal.

BRP Evinrude Johnson shorting switch 583930 fits 1985-2005 20-30hp rope start
 

zackduncan40

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I searched that and it only brought up 1 thing and that doesn't look like what I need... 😞
 

racerone

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You need to post pictures of what you have.---You need to express what you are trying to achieve here.--------Do you want remote electric start and controls.-------Or do you want to push a button and run the motor with a tiller.
 

Chrisravosa36

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Are you talking like a key start like racerone stated, or a push start? because thats pretty much all omc made for electric start...
 

racerone

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No,no---------These motors were offered with remote electric start / choke and controls.----------Many were adapted to just crank over at the tiller.------The owners has to point out what he has and what he wants in the end,------My crystel ball is not working.
 

F_R

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Somehow, I knew this was going to happen--we don't know what your intentions are. I just assumed you are rigging up a simple system where you push a button on the motor to start. Iboats has a multitude of choices. Search for push button switch. (or ignition switch if you want a key start) Here is just one quality switch you might consider:

http://www.iboats.com/Push-Button-S...549709849--session_id.949469265--view_id.3882
 

zackduncan40

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See how it looks like something plugs into those prongs on the right? That's what I am talking about and that's why I couldn't figure out what I needed cause nothing looks like it plugs into that.. So do I need to remove that or something to put one on there or what?? Thank you all for the help
 

zackduncan40

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In the end I want either a button or a key start right there in that hole... How do I need to approach this now that you guys have more information?
 

racerone

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????---did you look on ---shop.evinrude.com ??---You would clearly see that the wiring harness from the front of the boat plugs in there.---That is not a place where a " switch " plugs in.---Some effort on your part is required to post what you are trying to achieve with the motor !
 

hardwater fisherman

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I think the plug that was meant to be plugged in there also controls the electric choke if you have one. And maybe your kill switch is wired through there as well.
 

racerone

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Yes the wiring harness from the helm plugs in there.---Has the battery cables , choke , crank , stop function in it.------It was all well thought out back then.---You could unhook the steering , throttle / shift cable , wiring in seconds with no tools required.
 
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hardwater fisherman

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If you cant locate a wiring harness, as it seems they are no longer being sold. Maybe you can fabricate one. I included a wiring diagram for reference. But you still have not been clear what your plans are. Do you want tiller operation or helm control? Does the motor even have a tiller? I saw that question was asked in post # 7 but was not answered.
 

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oldboat1

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You didn't get the full harness assembly, and the rest of it is probably on the hull that motor came from. Now if you you bought it from a buddy who is junking the hull, check back and pull the harness out of the boat (start switch, choke toggle, plate, female plug -- that whole assembly). That would give you the rest of the plug and play system you need.

If that's not possible, you can try to find the assembly on another old hull in a marina boneyard -- unlikely, though, because that plug and harness is not as common as others.

A next option would be to duplicate a simple starting harness, using a push button (where you may have intended to go in the first place). You can use the existing harness on the motor side as a partial template along with a wiring diagram. I would do without a remote choke, and probably rig a shut off switch/button (could buy a switch and wiring off Ebay -- used on various models). Once you get the wiring figured out, it is probably as simple as splicing in a starter button on the positive side of the starter circuit to the starter solenoid located under the hood.

I'm not sure whether you can do that sharing pictures on the forum, but maybe. And if it's not your cup of tea, you might be able to just get a shop to do it for you. Find an old time shop with an old time outboard mechanic.
 
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F_R

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OK, now I understand what you are thinking. That plug is for a special cable ($$$$) that carries the start, ignition, and choke functions forward to the dashboard for up-front steering and controls. It also is the entry point for the battery cables.

If you only want a simple start-at-motor system, remove that plug. Use the hole for battery cable entry. Drill a hole in a convenient place on the lower cowl to mount a push button switch similar to what I posted. Use the existing choke knob. There is one more item to consider---stopping the motor. You can simply turn the throttle so far down that it stalls, or you can mount a second push button switch for stopping.

BTW, if you want to see what is supposed to plug in there go to http://www.nymarine.ca/wiringharness.htm and see part number 377283
 

zackduncan40

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okay guys, sorry for all of the confusion.. I'm not very educated on boat motors! lol... But in the end i am wanting tiller operated push start. and you guys have been great help! I am going to start trying to re wire up a push start tomorrow and if i have any questions i will ask them in this post with pictures! Thank you all!!
 
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