Can I add Recoil Start?

DriftinMT09 · May 11, 2023

I have a 1990 Johnson 30hp (J30TELESS), and I'm wondering if there is any way to add recoil start to it as a backup? Not sure if the flywheel is the same on the electric start model, when comparing to a recoil start model. Looks as if the motor cover has a little door that can be removed to have the recoil handle come through.

DriftinMT09 · May 11, 2023

According to Crowley Marine's website, the recoil version (J30RLESS) uses a different part number flywheel than my engine does. Not sure if that's due to where the recoil starter would have fingers that engaged, or different height. Guessing it's not an option, however if anyone has different information, I'd still like to know. It would be better than trying to remove the cover to wrap a rope around the recessed portion of the flywheel to start it in a low power situation.

Pappy · May 11, 2023

Yes you can however I would first check and see if your flywheel has the cut outs for a rope as it is. If so you may not need to go through the expense and hassle of adding everything. Fairly expensive undertaking.

DriftinMT09 · May 12, 2023

Pappy said:
Yes you can however I would first check and see if your flywheel has the cut outs for a rope as it is. If so you may not need to go through the expense and hassle of adding everything. Fairly expensive undertaking.

There are only two notches in the top ring of the flywheel, almost teardrop shaped.

Pappy · May 12, 2023

Sounds like what should be there. The flywheel turns clockwise always. These cut outs should hold the knotted end of a rope which is then wrapped a couple of turns around the flywheel, in a clockwise direction and the flywheel is turned by the rope and handle. You can coil up the rope tightly and stuff it down into the motor pan somewhere towards the rear usually. Will be there should you need it.

DriftinMT09 · May 12, 2023

Pappy said:
Sounds like what should be there. The flywheel turns clockwise always. These cut outs should hold the knotted end of a rope which is then wrapped a couple of turns around the flywheel, in a clockwise direction and the flywheel is turned by the rope and handle. You can coil up the rope tightly and stuff it down into the motor pan somewhere towards the rear usually. Will be there should you need it.

I'll have to see if I can put some sort of hook loop on the end of the rope that I keep in the boat, for such purposes as this. It's maybe a bit overkill in diameter, but it's what I had laying around. Thanks for your expertise @Pappy.

thill · May 13, 2023

This is rare. Most people get tired of pulling and want to upgrade to electric start.

After reading the other replies, I would recommend you carry a pull rope and invest in a fresh battery, so you don't have to worry.

overboard · May 13, 2023

Pappy posted the solution, I have an electric start 100 HP Mariner with a pull rope in a bag that came with it. I often wondered how hard that motor would be to start using that pull rope and I really don't want to find out, but it's there just in case! In order to use the rope start, I would need to remove the cowl, install the knot in the notch in the flywheel, wrap it around the flywheel a few turns, and turn the motor over manually. It's been a while, but somewhere along the line I have started an outboard using that method, as long as there are notches/cutouts in the flywheel, that's what they are there for.

Pappy · May 13, 2023

DriftinMT09 said:
I'll have to see if I can put some sort of hook loop on the end of the rope that I keep in the boat, for such purposes as this. It's maybe a bit overkill in diameter, but it's what I had laying around. Thanks for your expertise @Pappy.

You just need a knot. Do not overthink this stuff. Not that difficult. In 1985 OMC actually had the rope cut outs on the flywheel of the V8 outboards. I could start one warm pretty easily. V6s as well.

Can I add Recoil Start?

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