stator problem

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
I have a 1985 115hp tower of power,I put a new CDI stator in it two years ago.
My ? is what would make it go out so soon?

The motor has two different switch boxs,one is merc the other is
cdi and it is the same three cyclenders that went out last time.


Thanks Jim
 

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
Re: stator problem

I cheched the stator. and it is way out of spec.
but i was woundering if the miss matched switch boxs might have something to do with it.
 

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
Re: stator problem

it was that way when i bought it.Sence one is after market,if i could just change out the stock merc
switch box?
 

narvlebenoit

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 22, 2009
Messages
224
Re: stator problem

switch the wires from the stator to the switchboxes and see if spark moves if so stator if not switch box.
 

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
Re: stator problem

did that no change,ohmed the stater the low side of stator was out of spec the high side of stator checked ok.
 

narvlebenoit

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 22, 2009
Messages
224
Re: stator problem

well ono55 I have a 1981 tower and Ichanged stator and switch boxes to CDI about two years ago for 500 bucks runs great know.
 

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: stator problem

Which switchbox was on the side that lost spark?

A switchbox CAN still function and yet overload a stator and shorten the stators life, excessively loading and heating the stator, slowly cooking the coils til it fails.

I am guessing, based on a lot of experience, that the factory switchbox is the one that lost spark.

Merc very highly recommends that the Merc switchboxes be replaced in pairs to prevent such future repeated stator and switchbox failures.

The CDI switchboxes are much sturdier parts as are their stators.
 

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
Re: stator problem

CharlieB the merc switch box is the one that is causeing the problem.When i bought the boat the switch box had already been replaced.
Would that cause a over charging problem also?
 

CharlieB

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Apr 10, 2007
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5,617
Re: stator problem

If you have spark from one switchbox but not the other, disconnect the white Bias wire that links the two boxes together and retest for spark. Any change?

The charging system on these is very simple, only a rectifier, no regulator, the battery itself acts more or less as a voltage limiter, as the battery ages, the charging voltage can rise over 16 volts. Suggest you take the battery in somewhere and have a real load test performed to better gauge the battery health.
 

veritek_dragger

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
31
Re: stator problem

Depending on the usage of the motor, the actual life of the stator can vary. They are located at the hottest point of the motor, and heat is the biggest enemy of electronics aside from water. If the flywheel does not have cooling holes in it, it will most likely run at a temperature that over time will break down the insulators on the low speed stator for some reason at a higher rate than the high speed stator winding (low always seems to go out before the high). Ive researched this extensively due to this issue on my previous bass boat with a Mercury Black Max, and now on my upgrade boat Im having the same problem (Mariner 200 efi magnum). Currently in the process of dropping 372.00 to remedy the fix, but at least it will be hauling azz again! The indicator is usually the motor acting as if its missing on partial throttle and rpm's lower than about 4200. Having problems getting on plane or erratic firing of cylinders in this range. if you are able to at some point get on plane and at WOT and 4200+rpms function without a glitch, its almost a sure sign your stator is toast. Some people will say triggers, switch boxes, etc.....common sense and an analytical/diagnostic type of approach will tell you this could only be the stator. Other causes can be bad switch boxes and or bad voltage regulator/rectifier can add to problem as a short can lead to premature heat failure of the stators low and high speed windings.

Good luck!
 

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: stator problem

Earlier stators were 'coated' with an epoxy resin which looked good, however it also acted like an insulator and kept the operating temps high, contributing to shortened stator life.

CDIElectronics found this some time ago and started leaving all stator coils open, greatly extending the lifetime of the stator.

Whenever possible, I use CDI parts.
 

ono_55

Cadet
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
Messages
24
Re: stator problem

Thank you everyone for your responces,and ideas, the stator is toast so have to replace,changing both switchboxs and rectifer,
Had the battery load checked it was ok.So this should solve my problems.Will also do a link and sink while iam at it. All componets well be CDI.

Thanks again for all your help

Jim
 

veritek_dragger

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
31
Re: stator problem

Like Charlie said......use only cdi parts. Mercy oem is much more expensive and is crap. Do yourself a favor and research j_martin 2.00 fix for the reg/rect did it on my 83 black max and no issue.....worked great
 
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