Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

[Johnny Too Bad]

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to this question, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask the experts in this forum.

I recently purchased two 1959 Evinrude Lark 35hp motors for a restoration project I'm currently working on. I put the better of the two on the boat, and am using the other for a parts motor. The question I have is did this model come with an option for an internal generator?

My parts motor has an external generator, but the one I'm running does not. The guy I bought it from said it had an internal generator, and I took him at his word since this is my first experience with these older outboards. Unfortunately, I do not have an amp-meter installed yet, and was unable to tell if it was charging the battery when I had it on the water.

The battery I was using was a little weak, and after having the boat out about three times, it finally died on me. I had hoped the generator would keep it charged enough to get me through the season so that I wouldn't have to buy a new battery until next spring. I was a little surprised it didn't last a little longer even though it was nearing the end of its' life cycle.

I started to do a little research and found no indication of the '59 Lark having an internal generator. My manual only shows the external generator as an option for that model. Any additional info would be appreciated before I pull the flywheel and install the generator from my parts motor.

Thanks,
JTB

 

[F_R]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

They had a belt driven external generator as an optional accessory kit. That's it---period. Nothing under the flywheel exept the magneto and no room for anything else.

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of.

Is it terribly difficult to install the generator on a motor that didn't originally come with one?

JTB

 

[lindy46]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

You need the generator and mounting bracket, the drive belt, the flywheel with the sprocket for a generator, and a voltage regulator. I think that's it. Good luck finding all that. (I may have the flywheel and mounting bracket - I'd have to check.)

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

My parts motor has all the necessary components, I just haven't attempted to install one before.

I assume the voltage regulator would go in the juction box. If so, is it imperative to polarize the regulator before using?

 

[F_R]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

My parts motor has all the necessary components, I just haven't attempted to install one before.

I assume the voltage regulator would go in the juction box. If so, is it imperative to polarize the regulator before using?

You polarize the generator, not the regulator.

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Thank you. That makes a lot more sense. I must have misread the manual.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I have a 1 square foot solar panel that sits on my boat and charges the battery for my old generator-less 25hp. I have not had to charge the battery once this summer. I'm surprised it works so well.

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Really? How much would one of those set me back? That definitely sounds better (read: easier) than swapping the generator/flywheel, etc.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I don't know. My buddy lent it to me permanently. I don't know the wattage either but it is not very big. I've started the engine probably 3-5 times a week since May. And it's not a deep cycle battery. It's a regular starting battery.

 

[Johnny Too Bad]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I will definitely look into that. I'll post any info here I find regarding price or availability.

Thanks,
JTB

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Here are too not so great pics of it but you can see it on the back ledge I built over the engine to keep the noise down on my small pontoon boat. It's not very big.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Great idea! Now you have me thinking about a trickle charge system that I don't have to plug in!

BTW, that Viking motor is SWEET!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

Picked it up for $25 at an AOMCI swap meet. New coils and it runs like new Same engine as my '54 J25. 35.7 cu in .

 

[bashr52]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I was considering putting a charging system on my 40hp evinrude. Sourcing all the parts and hooking it up would be a bigger pain and expense than just buying a solar charger. The stock system I believe only put out 3 amps max, and you can get a 5 amp solar charger on ebay pretty cheap. That would give me enough juice to charge the battery and still have some extra for a depth finder.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I've got one on my pontoon - was about $25 on ebay. Battery starts the motor fine, runs depth finder and running lights - never have to put the charger on the battery during the summer.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I was considering putting a charging system on my 40hp evinrude. Sourcing all the parts and hooking it up would be a bigger pain and expense than just buying a solar charger. The stock system I believe only put out 3 amps max, and you can get a 5 amp solar charger on ebay pretty cheap. That would give me enough juice to charge the battery and still have some extra for a depth finder.

5 amps is a big solar panel as that 60 watts. I think mine is 5-10 watts max... But it's in the sun all day...

 

[87duckfanssp]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I'm very interested in getting on of these for my older motor that also does not have a built in generator. Can you share more information about the brand, model, where you got it, etc.?

Thanks so much!!!

Here are too not so great pics of it but you can see it on the back ledge I built over the engine to keep the noise down on my small pontoon boat. It's not very big.

 

[87duckfanssp]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

I have this exact same motor, but without the accessory generator. I was wondering if you found a solar panel kit that is working well recharging your battery???


Thanks in advance!!

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to this question, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask the experts in this forum.

I recently purchased two 1959 Evinrude Lark 35hp motors for a restoration project I'm currently working on. I put the better of the two on the boat, and am using the other for a parts motor. The question I have is did this model come with an option for an internal generator?

My parts motor has an external generator, but the one I'm running does not. The guy I bought it from said it had an internal generator, and I took him at his word since this is my first experience with these older outboards. Unfortunately, I do not have an amp-meter installed yet, and was unable to tell if it was charging the battery when I had it on the water.

The battery I was using was a little weak, and after having the boat out about three times, it finally died on me. I had hoped the generator would keep it charged enough to get me through the season so that I wouldn't have to buy a new battery until next spring. I was a little surprised it didn't last a little longer even though it was nearing the end of its' life cycle.

I started to do a little research and found no indication of the '59 Lark having an internal generator. My manual only shows the external generator as an option for that model. Any additional info would be appreciated before I pull the flywheel and install the generator from my parts motor.

Thanks,
JTB

 

[nwcove]

Re: Internal Generator on '59 Evinrude Lark?

welcome to iboats 87duck! but you should really read the forum rules. reviving old threads is a bit of a no no. start a new one with your query and im sure you will get many informative replies.