Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

[RSchendel]

I have a 1958 Evinrude 18hp (15024) that I am converting to electric start. I ordered a flywheel, starter w/bracket and a solenoid. A couple of questions. The original flywheel (no ring gear) has an inspection hole on the top. The new one does not. My guess is that it may have been on an older model. It otherwise fits fine, but I have not tried to run it yet. Is this a problem? I am also looking for suggestions on where to mount the solenoid and a starter switch. Can I use the stop switch as a starter switch?

I would also like to understand how to bench check the solenoid. It has 2 large terminals that I understand are used inline for the positive connection between the battery and the starter. The two small terminals are labeled I and S. I tried applying + power to S and - connection to the mounting plate as ground. No relay clicking. I tried this with + to S and - to I and applying +/- to I and S directly. No joy. This suggests that the solenoid is bad. For all tests I also used an ohm meter to check continuity between the large terminals. The circuit remained open.

Thanks for your help.

 

[RSchendel]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

Bump to top

 

[RSchendel]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

I tracked down the problem with the solenoid. It is triggered with + to the S terminal and - to the mounting bracket (ground). I drilled out the rivets and found that the internal ground connection was corroded and not completing the circuit. I still have questions concerning if the solenoid can be mounted internally and thoughts on if I can/should use the kill switch as the start switch.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

Where did you get the solenoid? Are you positive that it is a marine one? It has to be and Im fairly certain yours is not.

To test, hook an ohmmeter between the two large posts. Hook leads from a battery between the two small posts. Does the solenoid click? Does it show continuity?

You could use the existing hole for a start switch, or you could run leads to an external switch. I did that for an older fellow that was having trouble using the manual start. Put a nifty little start button hidden under his bench seat. Easy starting, and hidden.

If you use the kill button as a start switch, just use the choke to kill it.

 

[boobie]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

When you find an "I" and a "S" on these types of solenoids, it's for an automotive application, not marine. Old Ford type.

 

[RSchendel]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

The solenoid came from the salvager I bought the rest of the parts from. I could use it I if put it in an external box along with the switch. I would prefer to mount the solenoid under the cowl, but there does not look to be enough room. I agree that is looks just like an old Ford solenoid. Does anyone know of a solenoid that is smaller that I can fit under the cowl? It looks like I can run the cables under the current stop switch if I remove the tabs from the back of the swittch holder. No need to modify the cowl. The engine does shut down nicely when I just throttle all the way down.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

Sorry but you are incorrect. You cannot use it if it is an auto solenoid.

 

[RSchendel]

Re: Converting 1958 18hp Evinrude to Electric Start

I finally got the job done. The standard solenoid was too large to fit under the cowl. I ended up using an after market Suzuki 31800-94401. It was only $12.50 on eBay. The holder in the picture is a 1" insulated pipe clamp. I used a smaller button/switch from AutoZone in place of the stop switch. I needed more room on the back side of the switch to run the 6 AWG wiring harness for the battery. The new wiring harnesss came from www.genuinedealz.com. They did a great job of making the harness to spec for only $8.00 above the cost of materials.