Thread: Solenoid question

Here's a question for someone with knowledge on the early Evinrude motors. I have a 1961 Evinrude fastwin 18 horse motor, Pull start. I am adding an electric start to it that came of another engine. My question is would a solenoid from an older ford work? both have the heavy lugs for the main power cable and the two smaller tabs, or is the amperage to different for it to work? Just a thought I had and couldn't come up with a diffenative answer. Thank you for the help. Eric, AKA jamesdean.

I think the old ford solenoid should work fine if there is room enough.
I used to have a '56 18 horse. had alotta fun with that.

actually a riding mower solenoid might work too. if you burn one up, they should be cheap enough.

Thanks Baitwaster. I couldn't find no references to amp draw on either. Sure will save some money I hope....

Originally Posted by Jamesdean

Thanks Baitwaster. I couldn't find no references to amp draw on either. Sure will save some money I hope....

its not really a question of amperage draw. All solenoids draw(or consume) very little current as they are basically just relays(electrically flipped light switches) that allow higher current (or even different voltage) to pass through them.
The starter for a small outboard should be relatively low current (compared to a chevy big block) and most any solenoid that you can wire up should work (or at least worth a try if they're cheap enough)

Old Ford solenoid would be more than good enough, and should do fine.
My Dad had a '57 model 18 Fastwin, aint nuthin' like it.

Had a 56 18hp that was pull start, and it was a beast!

Yep Skeet, no doubt. If this thing sets much of any time without being started, It's really hard for me to get started with my back. Lots of compression for sure...

Originally Posted by Jamesdean

Yep Skeet, no doubt. If this thing sets much of any time without being started, It's really hard for me to get started with my back. Lots of compression for sure...

Aint that the truth!
With my Dad's old '57 18 Fastwin, in normal operation we ran the motor out of "Lock" in case we hit something the motor could lift up, and when we put it in reverse, you put one hand on the front of the motor to keep it down in the water. It became a normal reaction.
But when it was time to "Pull the rope" - you had better have it in lock! One hand on the motor and one hand on the rope handle would usually not get 'er done!
Here is a video of a 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 that looks just like Dad's motor (That my Brother still has).
It's a nice, pleasant video, and quite informative. A great deal for the recent buyer, IMHO.
Those motors really look ahead of their time to me...
YouTube

Originally Posted by TheGrandPoohBah

Aint that the truth!
With my Dad's old '57 18 Fastwin, in normal operation we ran the motor out of "Lock" in case we hit something the motor could lift up, and when we put it in reverse, you put one hand on the front of the motor to keep it down in the water. It became a normal reaction.
But when it was time to "Pull the rope" - you had better have it in lock! One hand on the motor and one hand on the rope handle would usually not get 'er done!
Here is a video of a 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 that looks just like Dad's motor (That my Brother still has).
It's a nice, pleasant video, and quite informative. A great deal for the recent buyer, IMHO.
Those motors really look ahead of their time to me...
YouTube

The cowl design is different, but from what I've read the power head is the same. Mine already has the geared ring on the flywheel for electric start, which is a big plus... This is how it was when I bought it for $100.00. I took it to a Mechanic and it needed coils, Plug wires, Points, Condenser, Fuel Lines, and a Fuel Filter. All in all, less than $600.00 including the initial cost of the motor And she runs. I was asking about the solenoid for when I get the complete starter kit together. I just recently bought a MOB kill switch as I'll be on the boat mostly by myself. Thought that was a good idea. When I change out that switch I am hoping I can use the present kill switch for the starter button as they are both momentary switches. I'll have to look at it and see...

I also got in some solid end water tight rives in the mail so I can get the deck supports mounted to the hull. Then see about some more aluminum for framing and a sheet of plywood, Sealed with some epoxy before covering. Still a ways to go but I'm hoping to get it on the water this year. This corona mess has put a damper on a whole lot. That's it for now...Thanks for the info everyone. Tight lines and full livewells...