Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

So i found out my stator on my 1995 60 hp merc is the wrong one, what currently is on there is a 9 amp designed for 1990 and earlier motor when I should have a 16 amp. Been having some issues with my voltage regulator providing less output than what it should (can only top out at 13 volts when running). I have 2 batteries, one for starting and one for electronics and both are marine deep cycle batteries from walmart less than a year old.

so with all this information provided, should i:
1) replace the stator for the correct one, replace the voltage regulator as there might have been some damage to it, and replace the batteries to good old automotive batteries (not gel cell or agm)
2) keep stator as is, replace voltage regulator as there might have been some damage to it, and replace the batteries to good old automotive batteries (not gel cell or agm)
3) keep stator as is, keep voltage regulator as is, and replace the batteries to good old automotive batteries (not gel cell or agm)
4) Just replace the starting battery to an automotive battery (not deep cycle) and leave the rest alone

I missed why you want to replace the batteries?

Personally I'd put the correct stator on. I wouldn't replace the voltage regulator unless you can confirm it's damaged. I wouldn't think running a lower amp stator would damage it but I'm not an electrical engineer. I sure wouldn't replace batteries. I'd put a full charge on both using an external charger/tester and if they fully charge and hold a charge, use them. Bad enough having to buy batteries when they fail and you have to which will happen eventually anyway.

so this morning I went out and took the flywheel off the motor to get a better look at the stator and I did see one part that looked a little burnt. I went ahead and ordered the correct stator and voltage regulator and it should be here this weekend. I was wondering about the batteries because I had some telling me that the deep cycle was not a good choice for a starting battery plus it would be more stressful on the charging system. I understand the charging aspect and with the lower amperage stator i would agree however with the new one I don't think that would be an issue. I'm gonna roll with the batteries as they are and keep on boating.

Deep cycle batteries are often used for starting on both large and small engines. I actually suggest it to my customers for several reasons.

A deep cycle battery will have about 25% less cranking amps than a starting battery of the same size. Unless you are cranking an old diesel or a high compression racing engine at 0F, that difference is meaningless when both exceed what the engine needs. Remember that cranking amps does not tell you how much total power the battery holds. Cranking amps is what it can give you for only 30 seconds.

The type of deep cycle batteries that you have will make an alternator work harder only if your batteries are deeply drained but so will a starting battery drained to the same level. The person who gave you that info was likely thinking of AGM or Lithum true deep cycle batteries which will accept a much higher (faster) charge rate.

Marc

so new, correct stator is here and so is the new voltage regulator. probably gonna install the stator tonight and see what happens with the current voltage regulator. If it starts putting out the correct voltage I will leave it, if not at least I have a replacement.

I replaced the stator last night but kept the voltage regulator in there. tested it this morning, still only 13ish volts so out goes the old and in goes the new regulator. now I'm sitting at 14.4 volts, just like it should be. Hopefully I am done with charging systems for now....

Good news - you are there!

So that's the old stator. Not sure if you can see but one of the windings is severely discolored which means something happened. Fingers crossed that was it.

So I finally took the boat out yesterday and it was charging the batteries like it should. At idle I was getting about 13 volts and once I gave it more throttle the voltage went up....worked like it should!

onlybillhere wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:41 pm

So I finally took the boat out yesterday and it was charging the batteries like it should. At idle I was getting about 13 volts and once I gave it more throttle the voltage went up....worked like it should!

That's gotta be a good feeling!

TWB wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:21 am

onlybillhere wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:41 pm

So I finally took the boat out yesterday and it was charging the batteries like it should. At idle I was getting about 13 volts and once I gave it more throttle the voltage went up....worked like it should!

That's gotta be a good feeling!

It really is! gonna replace the thermostat next....not really any issues but it's one thing I have touched at all so no idea if it's actually working right or not.