1961 551 with electric start?

[trainman 0]

I got a 1961 551 about a month ago pretty complete but needs to be restored. It looks like it had electric start at one point the holes are in the Tecumseh engine  but that's it no ignition switch and no starter. I would like to know what exact parts I will need to bring this 551 as it was when new. Oh there is no wire harness whatsoever either.

[wallfish 17,890]

The key switch would have been in the big hole plug that covers the hole under the steering wheel. The engine should be an H55 and you should see a white plastic cover for the diodes, opposite the recoil, if it has an original engine. I might have a 12v electric starter but I'll have to look around for an extra. It may not work if you have a snow blower engine since the teeth on the ring gear could be different. There's not much of a harness for the wires, it's pretty basic so you can just wire it up yourself. Could you post some pics of the engine from both sides and the tractor?

[trainman 0]

No not the original engine it's a Tecumseh H50 it did not come with any ignition switch whatsoever or a starter. it does have the hole in the middle and holes in the block for a starter. There is a store close to where I live that rebuilds starters. I have one photo on here mine are too big if you have a regular email I can send you more photo's in one email.

[wallfish 17,890]

I happened to find one of your older posts saying there's no ring gear on that engine's flywheel. The block castings are usually all the same so even though this engine isn't designed for electric start, it still will have the mounting holes for a starter because it uses the same block as one designed for electric start.

 

To get it back to factory or as it was when new, you will need to find a Lauson H55 engine with electric start, the key switch, battery and cables.