1988 200 black max cut out

[ralpht44]

Was running her today when at around 3000 RPM's the motor just cut out while underway and would not restart. Checked the primer ball and that was hard. I did not have a chance to pull the plugs yet. She was running great until this happened. Thinking it is electrical related. Anyone have any suggestions????

[Miguel]

Mercury stators of that vintage were prone to sudden failure.  Have you ever had yours replaced?

[ralpht44]

I have never personally changed the stator. From the looks of the condition it appears to be older so I will try to test and see if that is the issue.

[Hardwater]

Just replaced the stator on my 1988 Mercury 200hp...random RPM surge at idle, stall at idle, stall shifting into gear at times, sometimes difficult to start.  It ran great up to a couple of weeks ago when it started acting hinky.   Mine never killed at operating speed, though.  Is it getting fuel?

The Seloc service manual covers testing of the stator - a fairly simple process - then you're sure.  If it is the stator, the flywheel has to be pulled to replace it.

The switch box is another electronic component that'll die on older outboards.  A competent shop should be able to accurately test both - have them check the rectifier as long as they're at it.

The good news... with the new stator the 200hp Merc is back to running great.

[Miguel]

I´m no techie, but I know stators are sometimes tricky to diagnose without the proper tools.
Find yourself a knowledgeable mechanic, as you may end up changing an expensive part just to have it fry again due to the problem being in some other electrical component like the switch box.  Darn, how I hate ignition problems. :x

[ralpht44]

Figured it out guys! thanks for the replies. Seems as if I had a faulty ground on my kill switch. I jumped it and that is the culprit.

[Miguel]

good for you..... Cheap fix!