Reply To: Johnson 1953-54 Rd-15 25HP: Manual to Electric Conversion

[Shell Kottkamp]

Interesting thread.  I noted olcah comment about the 1954 model electric start powerhead having a different casting, i.e., threaded studs, to allow for the starter bracket.  I had a similar experience with what I thought would be an easy electric start conversion with a Mercury Mark 25,  I went into that project with my eyes wide shut!  The 2 years, 1955, 1956, Mercury produced that electric start model it also had a dedicated powerhead with 4 threaded studs to allow for the starter bracket.   For kicks and giggles I have considered drilling and tapping the 4 studs in a standard Mercury Mark 25 powerhead for an electric start conversion.   I love the convenience of electric starting.  I’ve done several 1957/1958 J/E 18hp conversions and they couldn’t be easier.  It was interesting reading today about the early, (1954), OMC history  of electric starting.