1998 90hp Johnson, Rectifier/Regulator stator?

[Ryeandwater]

1998 Johnson 90HP SPL, not charging the battery. I have not looked into it too much, as boat seems to be running great, I have a solar panel that keeps the battery topped up while I am away. Boat doesn't get used all that much, few hours on the weekend. My question is: am I hurting anything by running like this? Does the battery just start the motor, or is it required for spark/ignition after the engine is running? I have a second battery, also charged by solar that runs the fishfinder, stereo etc.
Thanks,

 

[Chinewalker]

Battery's only purpose on your outboard is for starting. If the voltage regulator is cooked, it may eventually take the stator with it if it is shorted out.

 

[ondarvr]

I had the exact same motor, same thing happened. It has no voltage regulator only a rectifier, and they fry easily. Mine was not working for over a year and caused no other issues. After I replaced the rectifier a friend of mine (outboard mechanic) touched the battery terminals the wrong way for just an instant and fried the second one. At that time I switched to the Radio Shack rectifier (under $5.00) and never had another problem.

 

[Ryeandwater]

Thanks. I have done a bit of googleing (sp?) around and think I saw a youtube video about the radio shack rectifier. I will do some more looking, if it as easy and cheap as that, might as well give it a try. Tach has not worked for as long as I have had the boat, might be related? Great motor, a bit hard on fuel, but works great. Thanks again.