Does my stator have to work?

[officed144]

I just purchased an older (early 70s vintage 1972?) mercury 80 hp Outboard. The motor has the type of stator with 2 yellow wires only. Unfortunately, the insulation on the wires has totally disentigrated and I am sure the stator isn't working. Other than for not charging my battery, can my motor run without a working stator?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Does my stator have to work?

The engine will run as long as the battery voltage stays above 10 1/2 volts if it drops below that it may burn up the switch box ($250+) is it worth the chance?

 

[DutchMerc]

Re: Does my stator have to work?

Certainly not. The stator has to be in good shape, it wil generate the spark, and set the timing. The older models have only two wires, connected to the ignition. The newer models (74 an newer)have two additional wires to charge the batery. If your model has only two wires, you need them to complete the circuit. If your model has four, you don't need the two yellow wires, but make sure they don't short together or to ground...

 

[achris]

Re: Does my stator have to work?

The early engines, like yours, have a battery driven switchbox and a distributor. The stator is ONLY for charging the battery... but, you need a fully charged battery for the ignition system to work properly.

Chris.......