Mercruiser 898 Alternator

misalmon

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2011
Messages
12
Been having problems with my engine stalling out at low trolling RPM's. It will start right back up and run rough at low speeds for 10-15 minutes and stall again but will start again right away. Runs great while going over 5 mph. Runs fine when cold.... Had a buddy of mine who is mechanic look at it. He cleaned up the carb and adjusted the timing on the distributor, and checked the fuel systems. While it certainly runs better, the problem is still there. He thinks it's either the alternator starting to fail or a problem with the coil/resistor wire. Measured 12v at the battery before starting and also 12v once the engine is running. I'm thinking of just replacing both systems.

Engine is is mercruiser 898 (chevy 305) and the lower unit is an alpha one. I found the parts for the coil, but not sure which alternator to pick up. There are high output alternators but they are pretty cheap and not sure this is what I want.

Alternator 71 84 Mercruiser Stern Drive 325 390 888 898 | eBay

I have also noticed many of the aftermarket ones have different wiring even though they say it works with mercruiser 898's. Any help would be appreciated!!!
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,497
Re: Mercruiser 898 Alternator

That is called a "1 wire" excellent price too.
1 wire =Orange and black
3 wire= Orange ,black, small purple, small red
Then the mandos, Motorola`s, etc.
If you have a 3 wire now, and replace it with that one, you only connect the Orange to the output lug and Black to one of the case bolts.
http://www.ebasicpower.com/charge/alternatorwiring.htm
 
Last edited:

misalmon

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2011
Messages
12
Re: Mercruiser 898 Alternator

Thanks for the help! Just ordered one and looking forward to the extra charging output. Time to hit the salmon run hard next week!
 
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