johnson rd21 vs rds21

[dthrckt]

What's the difference - starter? I thought an E after the model designated electric start. Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

It could be the starter. The only difference I find is that the RDS-21 weighs 15lb more than the RD-21. I don't find an "E" to designate electric start in any pre-1964 Johnnys, so maybe in 1959 it meant starter.

 

[F_R]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

It could be the starter. The only difference I find is that the RDS-21 weighs 15lb more than the RD-21. I don't find an "E" to designate electric start in any pre-1964 Johnnys, so maybe in 1959 it meant starter.

RD is rope start. RDS is electric start. Both are 1959 35hp. Ignore the "E" unless ordering parts. It indicates any mid-year changes--if there were any.

 

[dthrckt]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

It could be the starter. The only difference I find is that the RDS-21 weighs 15lb more than the RD-21. I don't find an "E" to designate electric start in any pre-1964 Johnnys, so maybe in 1959 it meant starter.

I thought the same thing until I just checked the picture of the motor (it is up for sale). Somehow I ignored the E so the model plate actually says RDS21E

My 'old outboard manual' says E was for e-start and G was for e-start/generator but I think the table includes motors (before and) beyond '64.

I guess I'm out of luck there (I'm looking for a generator), but I'd still like to know for sure what the S is so I'm still googling...

 

[F_R]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

I thought the same thing until I just checked the picture of the motor (it is up for sale). Somehow I ignored the E so the model plate actually says RDS21E

My 'old outboard manual' says E was for e-start and G was for e-start/generator but I think the table includes motors (before and) beyond '64.

I guess I'm out of luck there (I'm looking for a generator), but I'd still like to know for sure what the S is so I'm still googling...

Your book is wrong--at least in this case. What I said is true. Believe it or don't believe it. BTW, I just made a quick check and there were mid-year changes. Crankshaft, flywheel key, stern bracket and tilt lock pin were some of them.

 

[dthrckt]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

Your book is wrong--at least in this case. What I said is true. Believe it or don't believe it. BTW, I just made a quick check and there were mid-year changes. Crankshaft, flywheel key, stern bracket and tilt lock pin were some of them.

I believe you are correct, and that the book, if not entirely wrong, is neglectfully misleading (maybe it applies to the newer motors in their chart).

I have two evinrude 35 hp electric start motors here ('58 and '59) and neither has an E in model or serial number.

If acquired, this Johnson will give me a total of four parts motors and plus one that runs great ('57-'59 35hp OMC) This one's a bit of a drive to get. If it were a '57 I would have left already

is there a 12 step program for this sort of thing?!

 

[F_R]

Re: johnson rd21 vs rds21

I believe you are correct, and that the book, if not entirely wrong, is neglectfully misleading (maybe it applies to the newer motors in their chart).

I have two evinrude 35 hp electric start motors here ('58 and '59) and neither has an E in model or serial number.

If acquired, this Johnson will give me a total of four parts motors and plus one that runs great ('57-'59 35hp OMC) This one's a bit of a drive to get. If it were a '57 I would have left already

is there a 12 step program for this sort of thing?!

Evinrude used a slightly different method of indicating the changes. Their parts books show the serial numbers involved, while Johnson uses the suffix letter we've been discussing.