Merc 150 stator dead

[Bradleygt]

Long time reader, first time poster. I had my 2005 Merc 150 in for annual service. It ran great going into the shop. Repair shop replaced the shift shaft which required them to remove the power head. 900 in labor. When I cranked it it ran the battery down, would not start. When it did it quit charging. Took back to the shop. They said the stator and both voltage regulators were bad. Said it was not anything they did. My question, is it possible they did anything to burn that up or is it just a really unlucky coincidence? By the way, another 1,200 in parts. Seems too close to me, it was charging great when it went into the shop. Any comments would help!

 

[Chris1956]

I have never heard of the need to replace the shift shaft. Any idea what was wrong with it? The voltage regulators have a history of burning out, but the stators do not, so that is interesting. I would expect the stator and VRs to be $300 - $500 in parts alone. The stator is a bit to change as you need to pull the flywheel. The VRs are easy to replace.

 

[Bradleygt]

I was told the shift shaft was corroded and that was making it hard to shift into gear. Shop said it was a common problem. Boat worked perfectly until they replaced it. Stator and both VRs were bad immediately after it was repaired. Shop takes no responsibility. Said the stator and VRs were bad because I had a new AGM battery. But I need some opinions if this is true or if it's possible their repair job could have done this. Thanks for all advice!

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, I find both of the shop's explanations difficult to believe. I have never heard of a shiftshaft corroding. I also would be surprised that the AGM battery would damage a stator. I have never heard of an AGM damaging a VR, but at least they are connected.

I would start looking for another shop.....

 

[gm280]

If you decide to allow them to fix it, I would absolutely request all the "BAD" parts to be handed over to you as well. Those parts can be easily tested, if you know how too, to verify they are bad. It would even be better if you could watch them remove the part and hand them to you right then. Because all those parts can be burnt out with a few wires and a battery if need be... Hate to sound suspicious, but knowing how all those parts works leaves me to think somebody needs some quick business... :facepalm: I am so glad I know how to work on my other things...

 

[Bradleygt]

Thanks guys, that was exactly what I was assuming. Can you tell me what could have possibly "gone wrong" so I can try to explain to them why I think the Stator and VRs were burnt on their watch?