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Joe or AnyoneQuestion 6v to 12v Conversion

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Pete Hall

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" I have a 1956 Johnson RDE18E

" I have a 1956 Johnson RDE18E 30hp that was originally equipped with a 6v battery and 3 pole starter solenoid (#277317). I was fortunate enough to find an original, still in the box, solenoid for this motor, but would like to run a 12v battery. I have been told different things: simply change out the battery and it will work fine and/or I need to change out the solenoid too. I have a 10th edition Johnson Service Manual which includes the RD series and it recommends changing the battery to a 12v from the original 6v and does not mention anything about having to change the solenoid. My question is: Is it really that simple? Can I simply change the battery to a 12v without having to change the solenoid? It has been my thought that a solenoid designed for a 6v system will do fine with a 12v battery. Is this correct? I would appreciate your thoughts on this. Thanks. "
 
"Pete.... In thinking back man

"Pete.... In thinking back many years (1960/61 etc), and recalling working on the 1956 electric start models, I don't recall using anything other than a 12 volt battery on those engines. I didn't change the starter, solenoid, nothing.

Joe
"
 
" Thanks, Joe. That's what

" Thanks, Joe. That's what I thought. Just needed to reassure myself before I redid the wiring. Want to keep it as much original as possible, but a 12v battery solves lots of problems when using today's electronics. I truly appreciate it. "
 
" Just curious, does that Johh

" Just curious, does that Johhny have a charging system? Or do you really only need the battery for starting & accessories and just recharge after the day's boating is over? "
 
" Stu,
I and Pete have chatte

" Stu,
I and Pete have chatted back and forth quite a bit. We both are rebuilding 56 rd-18's .... unless his has a different setup I don't think it has a charging system. Mine does not. So my guess at least at this point is that the setup was designed to just be placed on a charger when the days boating was done. "
 
No charging system. Battery i

No charging system. Battery is simply for starting and running accessories. I plan on installing an onboard battery charger to recharge the battery. I have built new dashboards and installed new electronics and didn't want to have to install both a 6v and 12v battery to run and start everything. Using a 12v really simplifies things for me.
 
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