TOPIC: 1962 40hp johnson generator questions.

I have a 40hp johnson and was looking in the selco manual in the electrical section( i was actually just reading trough the book lol)when i cam a cross this pic of a motor with a generator on it. It doesn't say what year the motor is but it looks like i could put one the motor i have. Would this be possible and if so where could i get a generator? West marine or someplace like that?

You could, I have a '59 Fat Fifty that has the space for one but don't have one. They are very hard to find, and if you do find one it won't be cheap by any means. I don't believe they make any new that fir, but I could be wrong. Been looking for quite a while but haven't found one yet. Good luck in your search.

Bob

You could, I have a '59 Fat Fifty that has the space for one but don't have one. They are very hard to find, and if you do find one it won't be cheap by any means. I don't believe they make any new that fir, but I could be wrong. Been looking for quite a while but haven't found one yet. Good luck in your search.

Bob

A likely source of a generator setup would be a Big Twin with electric shift, since these (if I recall correctly) would typically have come with a generator. Because, if you had no power with an old-style electric shift, you'd be going nowhere fast! The Fwd or Rev electromagnet in the gearcase had to be electrically energized to make the Fwd or Rev spring grip. If you lost power, No Go!

So, if you can find a dead 40 hp etc electric shift on the Craigslist, it may still have the generator assy. Be sure to get the voltage regulator/control box & harness if possible, these are really hard to find and expensive if the seller knows what he's got.

Here's a couple of parts diagrams for a '68 40hp electric shift:

www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/EVINRUDE/1968/40873D/GENERATOR%20GROUP%20ELECTRIC%20SHIFT/parts.html

www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/EVINRUDE/1968/40873D/INSTRUMENTS%20AND%20CABLE%20GROUP%20ELECTRIC%20SHIFT/parts.html

Take note of the $115 voltage regulator!!!!

HTH & G'luck........ed

I was lucky to pick up one brand new in the box New old stock with everything to hook it up. And realy got lucky on the price. Got it on here in the want adds. So you might want to put and add in for one.
Mike aka the pirate

Yes, the electric shift motors all had generators. BUT, they add a level of complexity to the system. If all you're looking to do is keep the battery up, get a solar powered battery charger. They make them so they just clip to the battery, leave the panel on the seat of the boat, and voila - battery never goes dead. They don't charge dead batteries, but will maintain a good one...

I'm not near any motors right now so I can't look, but do all motors have a spot on the flywheel for the tooth belt? If not, you will need a different flywheel or pulley too. Once you are making power, you can invent a voltage regulator. You won't necessarily need OMC parts. Most(sky priced) OMC parts can be substituted for GM Delco car parts anyway. I know, at least on one of my 50/60s Evinrude motors, the voltage regulator looks identical to the one in my 1970 Cadillac.


I have a parts motor I bought back when these were cheap, just because it had a generator. It never hurts to have a spare.

Yeah i was looking at the voltage reg from a datsu and a generator from a 75hp yamaha outboadrd but i wold have to find a belt and diff flywheel and all that stuff.....little more than i wantedto do . i wanted to use it to charge the battery and wire up a power inverter so i could run a heater adn other small electrical things for those cold day fishing. gguess i'll just have to keep my eye out for a stock one or a complete motor that already has one on it. couldn't afford one right now anyway from the sound of it. I'll have time to save up my pennys while i look. thanks for all the great info.

Don't give up so easy. There are deals everywhere. You can pick up a "Junk" motor for $100 that happens to have a generator. Where as a generator alone will cost more than that. Heck, I've seen whole rigs, boat, motor and trailer go for $500. You just have to keep on the look out.

If you are looking to retrofit, and you have those skills, think lawn mowers or old farm equipment for parts rather than boats or cars. You might find deals there too.

If you're looking to keep the battery up while you're fishing or running a heater you're going to have to look for another way, as the generators don't even start putting out juice until you hit around 1500-2000 revs - far higher than trolling speeds. And even then, it doesn't really put out a whole lot of current...

Call SeaWay Marine in Seattle WA and ask the price of a generator belt. Fair warning - be sitting down before they quote the price.

As Scott mentioned, these are DC generators, and they don't put out much juice. I think they will kick out about 6 amps at full tilt. You will be better off having a 2nd battery for backup. Go to a battery store and ask for a good used mobility (electric wheel chair) battery. One of the best kept secrets is these little batteries that pack a big punch. They are sealed lead-acid deep cycle rated for shock and vibration. Perfect for a little outboard. I bought a used one for 15 bucks 3 years ago & it sill is going strong. They have enough power to jump a V8 Dodge - I've done it many times with one. They are only about 15 pounds.

Here's an OMC electric start box assy on ebay and it looks like it's wired up with a voltage regulator as well.



The panel mounted to the box is something I've never seen before, with built-in ign switch, ammeter, what looks like a red "ON" light and a hole where perhaps the choke used to mount.

Might be something you can use.

HTH...........ed