Hi,<br />I had a new authentic stator put onto my Mariner outboard 175hp -1 1/2 yrs ago. I went out onto the Gulf last week, motor quit, and I fortunately got back in. My boat mechanic (just uses authentic new parts....mercury) is fixing it and says my motor needs a new stator again? I called Mercury and they said that the only function for the stator is as a charging system. My mechanic says that I need the stator in order to make my 3 cylinders fire up....they're dead right now. I also had the 2 switch boxes replaced when I had the stator replaced. My compression is also right up. Who is trying to fleece me on this problem? Does the stator do more than work as a charger?