1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

[masonboro]

Hello,

I have an electric start model but never use the feature as I am a sailor with a small dinghy and find it not necessary.
I just rebuilt my 1994 right down to the paint.
She looks sweet and is ready for another couple years.

Can I remove the starter to "lighten up my load" without and other electrical complications?

Why should I carry the weight of a brick around with me everyday when not being used?

Thanks

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Yes, you can run without the starter.

I believe it only adds around 5-8 lbs of weight though.

 

[garzilla]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Yes, you can run without the starter.

I believe it only adds around 5-8 lbs of weight though.

Gotta be worth 10 extra knots or so...

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

My manual says to never run my electric start engine unless its hooked up to the battery because it will fry the rectifier.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

You should be able to remove the rectifier along with the starter mtr and just hook up the yellow wires from the stator to the terminal board so they don't flop around and go from there.

 

[garzilla]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Whoa???!!!

Hopefully that's just for a newer motor.....I don't have a "owners manual" for my 72 Johnny, but I don't think I remember hearing anything about that!!??


Please tell me that's just for newer motors..


I don't have a electric start cable for my motor....it is however electric start..25hp.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Really dumb question. If it's an electric start where are the cables ??

 

[masonboro]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Really dumb question. If it's an electric start where are the cables ??

Most of the cable has been cut off.

The remaining 1 foot has sealed ends and has always been zip tied and coiled under the cowl.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Mason, If the bat cables have been cut off and you've been running it don't worry about the rectifier if it had one. By now it's probably blown anyway. As to your orginial question, Yes you can run it with no starter mtr. Get rid of the battery cables also.

 

[dazk14]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

The smaller electric start outboards do NOT have to be connected to a battery.

It will not fry the charging system. You'll notice a removable red factory cover over the positive battery lead - to prevent arcing when not in use.

You can remove the starter and simply tape up the lead and that is all that's required.

You can still charge a battery when needed if you like.

I think you'll be somewhat disappointed by how little that starter weighs.

 

[masonboro]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

Thanks,

I will leave it should I ever re-sell, the next owner may appreciate starter option.

I know the weight thing seems anal to you guys but I am a very prudent minded sailor.
I carry much on my dink everyday including g-friend, dog, food, foul weather gear, fuels, flares, etc.
I know this sounds like alot but everything is very minimal for my lifestyle.

Nothing extra.

I sure do like my Iboats and laptop though.

Carb rebuild kit coming tomorrow.

Thanks Ya'all!

 

[Fed]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

My manual says to never run my electric start engine unless its hooked up to the battery because it will fry the rectifier.

Is that an OMC manual Will?
I've always thought it was risky to disconnect a running motor but not to start one without a battery connected. That would make pull starting a motor with an open circuited battery redundant.

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

No, this is out of an old Clymer manual; my OMC manual which I just got doesn't say anything one way or the other.

 

[masonboro]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

fwiw,
my rectifier must not be bad as I can hook up the starter and use it, even after a year of the wires being sealed and tucked inside the cowl.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

If it has a rectifier and is blown it will still start and run but won't charge the battery.

 

[masonboro]

Re: 1994 J15, Can I run without my starter?

If it has a rectifier and is blown it will still start and run but won't charge the battery.

Oh, duh, I'm sorry.
Perhaps it is blown then, as I thought my battery went bad.