starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

[jbjennings]

Guys,
I have a starter/bracket/solenoid/geared flywheel for my '54 evinrude bigtwin and was hoping someone could give me some suggestions for a cheap but good looking starter button. It is tiller steer. I also need to make myself some wires but don't know how to wire it up. Anybody have a wiring diagram for the thing or some instructions on how to wire it? Also, any suggestions on where to mount the starter button?
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[wbeaton]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

JBJ.

The original system was push button. Use any sort of weather proof button or key ignition.

Did you get the original 6V gear or later 12V? I can send you both if you need.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Hey Wayne,
What would you use for a button and where would you get it? I don't know what I have to be honest. I did have to saw a corner off the bracket to make the cowl fit over the starter so it can't be the original one. I have a solenoid from a johnson '55 bigtwin. Got any instructions on how to wire the danged thing? Also, are you still needing an electric choke? I have one in nice condition if you want it. I'm too scared to check it but feel very confident it will work.
Later,
JBJ

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Wayne,
Don't worry about the wiring diagram----F-R took care of me as usual!

Thanks F-R,
That diagram was like wiring for dummies---I didn't expect a wiring diagram to be that easy to understand. Of course, my childish brain likes pictures!
Later,
JBJ

 

[wbeaton]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

I was looking at buttons at my local Canadian Tire store yesterday. I don't know the US equivalent to CTC, though. Any auto parts or big box hardware store should have them. I like the original-like chrome button which looks much like the kill switch button on a 1958 Johnson. Get something that's spring loaded so it only contacts when you push and hold it. Just get something that matches the boat and motor style wise. As long as its weather proof it'll work.

What voltage is the choke solenoid? I'm looking for a 12V.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Actually, I bet it's a 6volt because it did come on the '54 carb. Will an extra 6 volts burn it up? Just curious. I'll definitely try to find a starter button like you describe......thanks.
JBJ

 

[cc67]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

I'm interested in this because my my 55 Johnson 25 hp is an original electric start. Do you need a solenoid or can you just wire in a starter button directly in line on the positive cable. I don't care about the choke solenoid since I can work it manually.

 

[F_R]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

cc, you need a solenoid.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Will an extra 6 volts burn it up?

It shouldn't. Just won't work properly.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Hey JBJ. The previous owner of my 57 Evinrude Big Twin took the silencer off and then mounted the solenoid to the inside of the cowl under the starter, with a push botton starter switch (looks like the ones we used to put on tractors/binders) mounted forward of the shift lever. I'll try to shoot a pic later today and post it here.

 

[cc67]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

"I'll try to shoot a pic later today and post it here"

I want to see that picture

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Ha Ha, Ol' JB has been workin on that electrical start today. I can see you're interested CC so I'll go back outside and post some pics. I went to my local hardware store and bought 12 feet of 4 gauge "welding" wire. I also got myself a little switch too that I really like. The danged solenoid is no good but I used a jumper wire and the starter is 12 volt and it works really good. I hate to say it but I may buy a merc solenoid because I heard it is smaller and will fit easy and is cheap. I'm going to check some prices in a minute and see. It was neat to hear that old rascal spinning without me having to tug on it. Does anyone know if that solenoid may be fixable or is it most likely a break in the coil that's keeping it from magnetizing and closing the circuit.
I'll check back in a few minutes with some pics. CC67, do you want a wiring diagram or do you know enough about it that you don't need it?
Later,
JBJ

 

[cc67]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

I guess I'm more interested in how it was set up. I can get a solenoid but wanted to see how a starter button was incorporated.

 

[dombarb]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

JBJ
Could you send me any information on the switch, and solonoid you selected. I have a 1958 18hp rude without the female 5 pin plug and wires for the electrical system. I mean I have none of the wiring ,solonoid ,starter swith, or starterbutton. How did you manage this? thanks again Dom

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Dom,
Here's a pic of the switch I chose. It's very simple--any push button switch that opens the circuit when you release it and is weatherproof will work. This one has a chrome button and bezel. I've stayed up too late and will post the solenoid I chose tomorrow evening when I get home from work. I'll also try to send you a nifty wiring diagram that F-R gave me that really explains it so it's easy to build your own harness. Just pm me your email adress. It was TOTALLY simple. Even I could do it. I will say this---12 feet of 4 gauge copper wire was 2.25 per foot! YIKES!


CC67---Here's a few pix,
Later,
JBJ

 

[samo_ott]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

JBJ, it looks like you only used a few feet of the 4 gauge. Where's the rest? Heading off to the battery? And go to bed. Stop staying up working on engines!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

UGGHH!,
A long day at work today. And I spent my lunch break and planning time trying to get some infor on the starter set-up. I got a ford solenoid today and either I'm too stupid to wire it right (anybody could do it) or they sold me a brand new bad one! Dang, I wanted to test it out completed today.
Will post back when I figure out the solenoid problem.
Later,
JBJ

 

[wbeaton]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Sorry for your luck, JBJ.

That is the exact same style switch I was looking at. You have good taste.

Good luck with the solenoid.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

Hey guys,
I received some wiring instructions on that ford solenoid and it works perfectly now. The ford wiring is....well...ford wiring. Totally different from the johnson solenoid wiring technique. Either way, it works great. I was able to fit the solenoid under the bracket and after I pull the powerhead AGAIN to put in a threaded stud that I forgot, will install the switch, wrap it up and take it for a spin to set the carb. The wiring job actually looks pretty good and when I get off tomorrow, will post some pics on my setup if it's o.k. with the expert who told me how to do it but advised against it since I have no nuetral safety switch in the system to prevent it from starting in gear. I am subconsciously programmed to check my shift and throttle position before and after running so it is not a problem for me.
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[jbjennings]

UPDATE Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

UPDATE Re: starter button/wiring diagram for '54 25hp

WARNING: TRY THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!

Here's my electric start changeover procedure on my '54 bigtwin. l Rec'd the wrong decals and decided to go back with the original '54 decals this time. I didn't want to screw up a nice motor with incorrect stuff. I'll have to say the starter button isn't original and after mounting it I like the looks and feel of it but the "nut" on the backside of the button is VERY wimpy and you can't tighten up the front bezel nut worth a flip. Otherwise I like the setup a lot. It wasn't fun putting a hole in that classid OMC cowl but it had to be done and I'm planning on using this motor quite a bit so I wanted the starter button where it'd be easy to get to.

Parts needed:
12volt starter and mounting bracket.
Geared flywheel
12volt FORD starter solenoid (the style that was separate from the starter and was mounted on the firewall) approx. 15 dollars
10 feet of 4 AWG copper cable (about 2.25 a foot)
a couple of feet of 16 gauge wire
wire connectors

Wiring procedure for FORD solenoid:

1. Run a 4gauge wire from + terminal of battery to one side terminal of solenoid.
2. Run a 16 gauge wire from the same battery side terminal of solenoid to one side of your switch.
3. Run a 16 gauge wire from the "S" terminal of the solenoid to the other side terminal of the switch.
4. Run a 4gauge wire from the other side terminal of the solenoid to the starter.
5. Run a 4 gauge wire from the negative battery terminal to the bracket screw just astern of the starter.
You can see this setup in the first pic. DO NOT run anything from the "I" terminal on the solenoid or prepare to fry the device you attach to it.

I drilled and tapped my carrying handle below the starter to mount it on with a 1/4-2- tap and 3/4 inch long 1/4-20 screw with lock washer.
Measured the cable lengths I would need and attached "crimp" style wire connectors to it.
Then installed the geared flywheel and checked point gap and such.
Next made a gasket to put on the switch to protect the cowl from scratching.
Then wired it up and had fun.
I DO NOT have a neutral safety lockout switch on m motor!


Wiring the FORD solenoid required some knowledge!
Enjoy.
JBJ