Hi, have a 97 merc 40 4 cyl on a 13' whaler. Engine starts ok, but seems to run only on 2-3 cyl (takes forever to plane), and doesn't hit top RPM. Periodically it will 'kick in' and take off and run really well. Next time it's run, it's back weak mode. Tried DVA voltage testing, but couldn't get a good reading (jumped all over the place). Local marina suggested switch box was bad, and stator was probably going. I have a switch box on order, and plan to swap it, but will a stator that's going bad kill my new switch box??...thx!!
