[capt-pete]

I have a 1978 Mariner 80 HP outboard, and the wiring is becoming brittle. I have been told I need to replace the stator and wiring harness on the boat. It still runs great, and I have had no problems yet, but being out on the water isn't the time to have a problem.. so my question is...

Will a stator and wiring harness from a newer mercury work? I think It's hard to find the old model stuff, and other than the color codes being different would it match up as it should? Any advice on how to replace both?

Anyone have a link to these parts, or some advice where to get them at a good deal?

Thanks!

[sschefer]

Parts are still available - The part number for the harness is 73369A1 and runs 199.80 from Merc. You can order it at http://www.crowleymarine.com or search the part number and see if you can find it cheaper, (maybe ebaymotors.com).

[rosser1]

i agree you can still buy harness, they are not cheap. that is why i don't have a new one. patched old one best i could and works great.

[westexasrepublic]

I have the same issue with wires becoming brittle.
I couldnt find the wiring harness for my 79' Mariner 70hp, so this is what I did.


cut in half to expose connections where wires solder to the female portion of the harness...

im soldering new wires on it later today.

as for my stator and trigger, I still cant get the fly wheel off, but the wires fell apart in my hands as I unhooked them.

[capt-pete]

My wires would do the same thing if I moved them around, so I know I am running the boat on borrowed time right now.

Why do you have to put in a new stator to patch the wires, is my question.

[westexasrepublic]

well I dont know if I will have to replace them since they work, but all the wires going all the way into both units are bad. same with the wiring harness but I cut it in half and rewired a new harness myself since they dont make a replacement one that I could find.