Need Info Johnson Javelin RJE-18

[DougMcQ]

Picked this up as a “barn find”
From what I could tell from
Model number, it’s a 1956 30HP.

Appreciate if somebody could confirm
It’s a six volt system. I read somewhere
That 12 volt started in 1957

Also, my understanding is that some of the 6 volt outboards had a positive ground. How can I determine if this is the case for me?

Lastly, I am in need of the chrome faceplate which I know is a hard to find item.

Thx

 

[timguy]

Hi welcome. Do you have the control box that sits in the stern near the motor?These are 6 volt, but can handle a 12 volt for short cranking, negative ground. I modernize with a 12 volt starter solenoid. Safe start speed is governed with mercury switch on throttle at the powerhead. This provides contact to ground for one of the solenoid posts. I have added neutral safety switches also. Can use one from a newer electric start 25 Johnson or something similar (22 or 32 cu. in.) Try Tim's Outboard in Hackensack MN for faceplate, or neutral safety switch. I restored this one and shipped it out to the Tacoma area for a mid '50s custom wooden runabout.
Tim's Outboard number: 218 682 2331 Mike Dan Cassie or Teresa.
Tell him that Tim sent you.

 

[DougMcQ]

Hi welcome. Do you have the control box that sits in the stern near the motor?These are 6 volt, but can handle a 12 volt for short cranking, negative ground. I modernize with a 12 volt starter solenoid. Safe start speed is governed with mercury switch on throttle at the powerhead. This provides contact to ground for one of the solenoid posts. I have added neutral safety switches also. Can use one from a newer electric start 25 Johnson or something similar (22 or 32 cu. in.) Try Tim's Outboard in Hackensack MN for faceplate, or neutral safety switch. I restored this one and shipped it out to the Tacoma area for a mid '50s custom wooden runabout.
Tim's Outboard number: 218 682 2331 Mike Dan Cassie or Teresa.
Tell him that Tim sent you.

Tim,
thanks for the info.
I believe the internal wiring harness is complete:
two battery cables, pair for starter, pair for choke
solenoid is under the cover.
what is purpose of junction box?
Doug

 

[racerone]

I would say that wiring on your motor is not original.----Bin modified.

 

[DougMcQ]

Picked this up as a “barn find”
From what I could tell from
Model number, it’s a 1956 30HP.

Appreciate if somebody could confirm
It’s a six volt system. I read somewhere
That 12 volt started in 1957

Also, my understanding is that some of the 6 volt outboards had a positive ground. How can I determine if this is the case for me?

Lastly, I am in need of the chrome faceplate which I know is a hard to find item.

Thx

Thanks, I’m making some progress….

I’ve got a few photos to hopefully clarify things but too large for this site. Scroll to the bottom of this page:

XIV. Outboard

Conducted initial assessment of Evinrude Lark. The good news is that there is compression (only 30-50 lbs) - the bad news probably going to need work on ignition & carburetor. Status unknown for fuel pump, starter & transmission.After some discussion with Gregorie, the mobile mechanic, we...

dougmcq000.wixsite.com

Internal wiring appears complete: 2 battery cables; 2 starter wires; 2 choke wires.

Not sure what purpose a junction box would have for this setup?

 

[racerone]

????-----In the day the solenoid was mounted inside the boat in a junction box.----The wiring on your motor is not original/----Posting a few pictures would likely make it very obvious !

 

[DougMcQ]

????-----In the day the solenoid was mounted inside the boat in a junction box.----The wiring on your motor is not original/----Posting a few pictures would likely make it very obvious !

Thanks, that explains why I can’t match up with manufacturer documents…..

Is there a way to determine if they also converted to 12 volt?

 

[DougMcQ]

Once again I am confused.
I hooked up a 12 volt battery for testing. Positive to solenoid and negative to block.
I used a patch cable to jump over the solenoid - positive in to positive out. The wire got hot! I used a circuit tester to verify the outbound power cable from the solenoid was negative. I removed the cable from solenoid to starter for further diagnosis. The bolt on the starter is negative as well as the housing. Suggestions for next steps would be appreciated.

 

[DougMcQ]

UPDATE

Have connected positive cable directly from battery to starter ( I should have started here).

In any case, the starter remains unresponsive. I even tried a few hammer taps while connected.

After disconnecting power the starter turns easily by hand.

While starter has not engaged flywheel yet, the pistons are free.