How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

[lmsmith]

The motor is a 1956 30hp Evinrude.

I posted here asking about a part that turned out to be the starter solenoid:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=508280

Searching the site I came across this post about a 1956 30hp wiring diagram:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207588

In that post they posed the question as to whether the engine was 6 volt or 12 volt due to the wiring diagram showing a 6 volt battery.

So, I'm thinking I might need to know whether mine is 6 volt or 12 volt. How do you tell? If it's 6 volts should I convert to 12 volts? If I convert is it exspensive? There was no battery in the boat.

In my mind I'm thinking depending on what it cost to get this 1956 motor running, it might be better to buy a newer used 30 hp motor. What are yout thoughts on that as well?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

Many 6 volt motors will run fine on 12 volts provided they are not run for long spurts. If an engine doesn't start qjuickly, fix what's wrong. Converting to 12 volts involves installing a 12 volt starter or re-winding the one you have. Six volt batteries are readily available as well so any of the processes can work.

 

[lmsmith]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

Hey silvertip, thanks for replying to all my questions. I really appreciate it. I found some info on the forum that stated the same as what you said. I don't have a desire to rewind the starter. I'll probably use a 12V battery because I'd like to install a radio in the boat and that'd probably make it easier.

Couple questions though: Can't run a radio on a 6V battery now a days can you? Is there a 6V battery that's worth using for a 6V motor?

It just seems that it'd be easier to just use a 12V and be easy on the ignition key.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

A six volt battery is no different than a 12 volt battery other than it has only three cells instead of six. Farm stores have an abundant supply of six volt batteries. Remember though, if you use a 12 volt battery for starting, a six volt charging system cannot be used. And NO -- you cannot run a 12 volt stereo from a 6 volt battery. You could install two six volt batteries in series to run the radio and then just tap off one of them for the starter. That is an expensive work around though and you still have the charging issue.

 

[lmsmith]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

Silvertip, I think you've convenced me to just go with a 12 volt battery. Time to start looking for one.

I've seen marine batteries, but is one better than the others? Also, what about a charging system? Is there a good name brand to look for?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

You missed the point about CHARGING SYSTEMS. You need to know that IF (note the IF) the motor has a charging system, it too will be six volts. That will not charge a 12 volt battery. IF (note the IF) the motor does NOT have a charging system, THEN you need a portable or an on-board 12 volt charger so you can plug in at the dock to charge the battery.

 

[lmsmith]

Re: How To Tell If Motor Is 6 Volt.

Thanks for the clarification. To be honest I don't have a clue if the motor has a charging system or not. Never worked on an outboard motor before, don't have the manuals yet. Once I get those I'm sure things will make more sense. The motor will be my winter project so I have some time, but I'm trying to stay ahead of the game.