'73 Johnson 40Hp charging circuit, should there be one?

gopud

Cadet
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
16
Have doen a search but to no avail. So as in the title, the engine is electric start, so I assumed there should be a charging circuit/alternator. But there doesn't appear to be one, can I fit one (or can anyone tell me where it would be or what wires to check?).
Engine is a 40RL73D

Many thanks
James
 

countvlad

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Messages
439
Re: '73 Johnson 40Hp charging circuit, should there be one?

Have doen a search but to no avail. So as in the title, the engine is electric start, so I assumed there should be a charging circuit/alternator. But there doesn't appear to be one, can I fit one (or can anyone tell me where it would be or what wires to check?).
Engine is a 40RL73D

Many thanks
James

whats the problem? battery not charging? tach going crazy? what are you tying to accomplish?

follow the bottom link for parts and diagram
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: '73 Johnson 40Hp charging circuit, should there be one?

Heck, 40RL73 isn't even electric start. If it has a starter, somebody has added an electric starting kit.

A generator would be another kit. If it has one, it looks similar to the starter and sits on the opposite side of the carburetor. It is driven by a belt off the flywheel. The generator will not drive a tachometer if that is what you want to do. It is a DC generator, tachometers require an AC alternator.

Now somebody will come along and point out that the DC generator only puts out 10 amps. So??? Most alternators put out 6 amps. Some even less. Yes it is true that the generator doesn't charge at all at idle speeds. Has to be running a bit above fast idle to kick in.
 

gopud

Cadet
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
16
Re: '73 Johnson 40Hp charging circuit, should there be one?

Sorry, should have said it a bit more plainly, 'The battery does not charge'
This is why I am asking if there should be a charging circuit on the engine, so after the info given is it possible to retro fit one as there is not a generator or alternator present.
Also did wonder if the starter circuit had been retro fitted as I understand that all electric start engines finish the code with an E meaning 'electric'.

Cheers
James
 
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