Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

[Terry D.]

I've been reading this forum looking for information before I start asking questions that have been asked repeatedly. I thought I would ask a quick stupid question.

To preface this, I have been running/repairing "old iron" for about 30 years, but those engines have been tiller. I'm in the midst of putting together a 59 glass runabout. First time with an ignition switch.

My plan is to have a push button start with a kill switch for the on/off. The 58 35hp Johnson does not have the factory installed kill button. Is there an easy way of doing this without pulling the top of the engine off? (Probably not) Is it a matter of closing a circuit between the points? I understanding that you have to close a connection between the points to kill it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

I believe the best way is to do it like you mentioned, to take off the flywheel and run a pair of wires from your kill button through a hole in the armature plate and one wire to each set of points. I suspect there is already a hole through the armature plate for this,but I'm not sure if it has a grommet. I'd put a grommet on my hole so the plate didn't chaff the wires when it turned.
Nice motor,
JBJ

 

[Terry D.]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

Thank you JBJ, I've spent the better part of this evening pouring through the forum looking at all the posts concerning a kill switch. I may just throttle back to kill the motor for this season and wait until the winter to remove the flywheel to install the switch. I'll see how far I am by this time next week. Again, thanks!

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

great post, i am looking for the same info!

i have a 1959 35 HP on the boat i just bought...it has the push button start, the guy i bought it from just throttled it down to kill it. is that a good meathod? i havent had it out yet as i have been doing some refurb work on it.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

No kill switches on my twin 57 OMC Big Twins, both equipped with push button starter and solenoid under the cowls. I just throttle back to idle, put it in N and pull the choke if I want to kill either one. Have to swivel the seat around, step up and reach for the choke knob but works for me.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

Of course, all you're doing is putting a jumper wire across the points to short them out. The kill button goes in the middle of the jumper wire and completes the circuit when you push the button.
My opinion (keep in mind, this is just what I think is best, although I have a 25 that I just turn the throttle down to kill it, but it has the cut-out switch) is that you really need need one for a couple of reasons. Number one, if you kill it with the switch, it is really easy to restart because the cylinders are already loaded up with fuel (is that the reason????). Anyway, it starts up easier to me.
Number 2, if you ever hit a stump and that motor pops up on the back of your transom and is still running wide open, you are going to want a kill switch to get it turned off FAST (from experience:redface.

 

[Terry D.]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

JBJ:
I got the pulley/cable steering and control cables installed today. It went a lot easier than I had feared. The marine store had warned my wife that there would be some strong language associated with the installation! LOL

I'm going to pick up the materials for the dash wiring tomorrow, if things go easy, I'll see about hooking up the kill switch. I know what you mean about popping that engine outta the water, it happens on my duck boat all the time! But then I'm trying to boat in 10 inches of water.

Regardless, if it doesn't get done this Summer, it will be a priority come next Spring! I installed kill switches on my 64 9.5hp, and 59 35hp, but they were tillers and had the wiring completed.

Thank you for your input, it's much appreciated.

 

[Terry D.]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

stkswngr:
It's not that you can't or shouldn't use the throttle/choke to kill your engine, it's just there are better ways to do it. A kill switch is a safety feature that belongs on your boat. Considering the fact that you own a 59, which has the wiring already present, you should have no problem retrofitting a kill switch into your boat.

Good luck and safe boating!

 

[stickswngr]

Re: Installing a kill switch - 1958 35hp Johnson (RDE-19C)

Thanks for the info on this thread...I will add a kill switch to my to do list! Man, that list is getting bigger by the minute and my boat hasnt even hit the water with me in it!