Voltage Regulator & noise when changing gears

[mlaf1196]

I have a 50hp Mercury outboard engine on my pontoon boat and everytime I go out on a sunset cruise the battery and engine dies 30 minutes into the ride. Someone told me it maybe the voltage regulator. Has anyone else had this issue and if it is the voltage regulator how can I check it and fix it? I also get an interesting grinding noise when I through the engine into forward from reverse or reverse into forward. This does not sound normal!! Help

 

[j_martin]

Re: Voltage Regulator & noise when changing gears

The stator is under the flywheel. From it come many wires, but two of them are yellow. Follow those wires to the regulator or rectifier, whichever is on your engine. Take a close up picture and post it, and someone can tell you how to check it out and replace it if needed. Probably, that's the problem.

A Mercury outboard needs to be shifted smartly, or quickly. The mechanism is a square cogged dog clutch, that is either engaged or not. The rubber hub on the prop absorbs most of the shock. If you "ease" it into gear, it'll clatter and chatter till it engages. That abuses this clutch, and causing damage to the lower.

If you've been doing that for awhile, have the lower unit lube changed, and check the magnet on the drain plug for excessive metal.

hope it helps
John