56' Evinrude Lark 30 Choke Solenoid Shroud Cracked Need solution

[wildartstech]

Just picked up an Evinrude Lark 30hp (believe the year is 1956). The rubber topper piece on the choke solenoid is cracked. As far as I can tell the solenoid is still in good function however, I'm not totally sure as I don't have a 6V battery. SO I searched and found an explanation on how to convert my 12V line to a 6V, advice on just purchasing a 6V battery and several wiring diagrams for how it could all work really wonderful.

My real issue lies in the necessity of this piece working I guess. Obviously I can use the choke knob but requires going to the engine and I might as well use the pull start if I'm gonna get up and go back there... catch my drift. I don't mind buying a 6V battery but can't help but wonder if the rubber cracked piece is going to choke the choke? And if I'm replacing parts might as well be upgrading to something that will work with everything else on the boat. SO...

1. Is the rubber piece dire? If dire, can it be replaced w/ something makeshift or is it a vintage part I have to find? Part #?
2. Has anyone found a new 6V replacement for the solenoid all together? or something close enough to rig? Part #?
3. Has anyone found a new (as in modern or store bought) 12V replacement for the solenoid all together? or something close enough to rig? Part #?
4. And regardless.. what is a good 6V battery to use with these engines? Specs, brand, model#, etc...

 

[Roberthill]

I'v got a 1957 35 hp Johnson .I use a 12v battery , never had any issue using 12v. It has a choke solenoid but I didn't have a starter solenoid so I went to Auto zone and got a Old style FORD solenoid(this is going to start a post war) lol

 

[wildartstech]

Yeah, I hate to be the "Choke Solenoid I want it new guy" and at some point I realize that it's old and that type of part is gonna get updated since then and who wants old 6V solenoids etc... but at the same time it's hard to think that someone hasn't rigged something up since then that worked out alright. I don't mind 6V or whatever and I am an advocate of doing what the factory originally wanted but I'm not the factory original owner and I'm sure the factory couldn't predict the "hows and whats" of someone looking for parts in the next millennium.

 

[HighTrim]

Just get a 12 volt choke solenoid. Then you can run your motor on a standard 12 volt battery, with a little wiring modification. The starter will hold up fine. The 6 volt choke solenoid will burn out on 12 volts though. In 1957 they went to 12 volts, so simply buy a good used choke solenoid from a '57 on Big Twin and you are good to go.

 

[wildartstech]

No Title

I think I may have figured it out. Looks like I'll be trying my luck with a 6V battery. I used a bicycle innertube and some shoe goo to make a rubber shrowd. Works thus far, now to see how long it lasts.