What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Stator on a Mercury 150 XR2 Outboard Motor?

A stator in your outboard motor acts like a generator or alternator, supplying energy to the ignition system and charging the batteries. If the stator is failing, you might notice several symptoms. Common signs include trouble starting the engine, rough idling, stalling, misfiring, or the battery not charging properly. To check the stator, you can use a voltmeter. Connect it directly to the battery while the engine is running. You should see a voltage reading of at least 13 volts. If it drops below that, it could indicate an issue with the stator or the rectifier. Given your situation, it sounds like you've already done a lot of troubleshooting. If the engine runs better when you choke it, that typically points to a fuel delivery issue. Since you've rebuilt the carbs and replaced the fuel lines, it's worth checking for blockages in the fuel system, especially between the water separator and the fuel tanks. If you've replaced the fuel pump and are still having issues, it might be worth revisiting that component to ensure everything is assembled correctly. Sometimes, a stuck check valve can cause problems, so it's good to double-check that as well. Ultimately, if the stator is indeed the issue, it has two sets of windings—one for low speed and another for high speed. If the high-speed winding is failing, it could explain the lack of power at higher RPMs. Keep an eye on that as you continue your troubleshooting.