1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

[Joe_the_boatman]

Just got done replacing these tonight - soldered the new wires to the old at the stator (is that the stator on the top?). All other wires look good. Motor's never been in salt water (I think....) Motor ran like this, by the way.


1) What is the function of these 2 wires?
2) What would make them corrode like this? High voltage? High temps?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

Those are the stator wires to the rectifier for battery charging. You've just put off buying a new stator for a while. Maybe a long while, if your luck holds up.

 

[lots of boats]

Re: 1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

Charlie B is right, those two wires are for ac current form the stator to the rectifier that changes it to DC and sends it to the battery. You have some serious corrosion going on there.

 

[lots of boats]

Re: 1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

the wire in the middle is broken, or corroded through inside the sheath.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: 1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

Nothing to be alarmed about.

Mercury motors of that era are infamous for corroded wiring. In some cases the entire wiring harness at the motor is affected. The wire corrodes and turns brittle, and the insulation turns to dust.

Keep an eye on the wires and connections periodically and I'm sure you'll be just fine. Your repair looks AOK.

Good luck.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: 1985 Mercury 60HP - what do these wires do? (pics)

Thanks guys! We'll see if it runs tonight.