Merc is sick

[lakerunner]

Well my old trusty Merc is ill. Sunday we were out trolling and enjoying some tunes when we were waved down by a boat out of fuel. I just happened to have 5 gal on board and as they refueled I killed the motor. when he was finished I went to restart and not even a click. Luckily the guy I helped had some jumpers and it started right up. I noticed my Gauge only showed a bit less than 12 showing where it should have been near 14. Well long story short my charging system is dead. Motor make enough to run but not recharge battery.

Anyone have any idea what this could cost? The only mechanic I talked to today said till he sees it it could be $200 to over a grand including labor.

Makes me start thinking of a new E-Tec hanging on back.

[FloterBoter]

don't know that motor, but probably the rectifier or the stator. check all the connections first.
the manual should give the stator coil wire resistance, so you can check that to see if the circuit is open.
last would be the rectifier and regulator. check if the yamaha rectifier is the same as the mercury part,
sometimes the yamaha is much cheaper.

[slingshot]

Your motor is a Yamaha with all Yamaha parts fitting it. It also has an on board diagnostic system which should tell you exactly what the problem is. As stated by float, get you wire brush out and clean all your battery connections. Get ALL corrosion off. You had enough charge to start your motor at the start of the day. Your motor is still not that old to start losing stators and stuff. One you've cleaned all electrical stuff start her up and take a reading at the battery. It should be around 13 volts or more. You could also have a shot battery. I would check both of those first then if the problem persists get a reading of your ECM. Good luck and let use know what happens.

[margaritaman]

Hey Lakerunner,
After all those suggestions if it still does not charge, I would carry a spare battery and charge it at home. A lot cheaper that a thousand bucks.

[lakerunner]

We did all the contacts and they are all clean so not there, Battery is brand new because I guess the lightning strike we had damaged ti maintainer and it overcharged and all the electrolyte was boiled out over winter. It had enough to start the first time but after running the stereo all day it drained it. Battery was warranted so got a new one. Tested and barely getting 12 which runs motor just fine just can't run accessories. We did buy a battery booster to take along.

Finial decision is this. Motor is still in good shape except for charging system. Being 6 years old we don't want to put the money into an old engine. I know to most would keep the old and repair but I look at it this way. We put a lot of hours on a boat every year and being disabled and unable to climb around and work on motor when in water we need dependability.
So what we did was buy a new 115 E-Tec and dealer that I trust is going to repair Merc and sell it for me for parts and labor plus 15% of selling price. Also I have hated the trailer that came with it when new so I am putting a new heavier tandem trailer under it as with Betty retired we want to drag it to other places. I already have a buyer for it at $ 800.00 as is.


So think we came out ok. I got the motor for $7250.00 installed with new binical on console, new tac, water guage,and hour meter
Trailer cost me $2600.00 and worth it


Thanks for the help

[curtiscapk]

E-Tec!

Sum Bitch you gotta deal!

And a new trailer too!

[HandymanHerb]

[WaltF]

Whoa Whoa!! Hold on there Red Rider!

You telln us you just moved from a 90 hp to a 115 hp and you are justifying it because of an electrical problem?

and the wife bought that?!?

....the man is a genius!


Bring on the fun!!

[slingshot]

ORRRRR, buy a new E-tec 115........Good call.

[gerg]

As they say in the Guinness commercials, BRILLIANT! Rockin' deal on the 115 E-tech! Wish I hade the cash, and the cojones, to try this on my wife! Please quide me in my quest o-Great One!

[lakerunner]

Shit guys thanks for the comments. Yes I am lucky with Betty. She like me loves the water and that is our main expense for fun. So talking her into it was just to justify the need and it was a done deal.

[FloterBoter]

i can't believe she fell for that. she must really really love you. is she able to drive with the poor vision?

cool on the e-tec.