converting to electric start 1978 48 HP

[geol]

I am interested in the practicality of converting a 78 48HP mariner to electric start. It would require a new flywheel and a starter motor. Can this be done for cheap. If so ???

 

[emckelvy]

Re: converting to electric start 1978 48 HP

Well, you'd have to find the various parts used, I'd think trying to get them new (if even available) would be really expensive.

48hp is an oddball increment, is this a Japanese motor? Yamaha did mfr quite a few for Mariner, especially in the earlier years.

How many cylinders and what's the ser #, etc. Of course a pic of the motor with hood/cowling installed, and a pic of the powerhead, would go a long ways towards figuring out what you have.

If it's got a Merc powerhead, there should be plenty of used stuff out there. If it's a Yamaha, not so much.

In either case, www.ebaymotors.com and your local www.craigslist.org are great sources for used parts.

Post a few more details and we'll be able to better help you.

HTH..............ed

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: converting to electric start 1978 48 HP

I'll go out on a limb here and take a guess from experience.

A 78 Mariner may be about as rare as "hens teeth"? Probably something made by Yamaha and claimed by neither Yamaha or Mercury/Mariner today.

So, if you can find a parts list, and live with the prices, order up the parts and have at it.

 

[sailingwest]

Re: converting to electric start 1978 48 HP

The 48hp was a derated 55hp, if you can find a dead 55 the parts will just bolt right on. This is a simple and very reliable motor and easy to start if set up correctly. Jim B

 

[geol]

Re: converting to electric start 1978 48 HP

Thanks for the replys. i got a factory manual. This motor came as a 48hp manual start or a 55 or 60 electric start. they are Yamaha's
presumably the flywheel and starter motors from one of these would work.
Once I put in new spark plugs and pumped in new gas. It started right up. So the electric start may be more trouble and expense than it is worth. However if I run into a parts motor I will pick it up as parts are borderline unobtainieum. At least new.