Still has the factory charging system/ stator on the flywheel. Takes a few minutes to come up on the gauge. Not a big deal . my trouble is when idling it just looses power and stalls! Also noticed that using the trim switch sucking some juice it also stalls. Stalls like I turned the key off !! Any ideas ??

Normally when you touch the trim and the motor dies out its a voltage issue. Like the battery is dead and the isnt charging. I think they make an aftermarket kit for the 4 cyl's that uses a single wire altinater. The kit comes with everything needed. Sometimes on those stock units the voltage regulator goes bad, it should be mounted on the side of the block and uses water to cool it down. Sometimes when the motor gets over heated it will also ruin the regulator.

I don't think that voltage regulator is even avalible anymore,
buy the conversion kit and get rid of the flywheel and stator sys. with the kit it all stays there you just add a single wire alt. and bracket.

make sure it is the Alternator/regulator ..... test or have the battery load tested ....make sure all you cables are in good condition .....the stock setup does go bad though ... I had a 1986 wellcraft with the 170 and I know the guy that still has it .... still has the original Alternator .....m

Thanks for the input. Havent had time to check it out yet first will be the battery. Then im going to run a jumper to the positive side of the coil from another battery. I know the shut the motor down Ill have to pull the wire no big deal. The alternators around $115 but the bracket is the big money. ll find something that will work trust me.

the stock reg is still available from mercury, be careful buying the after market system it takes a lot of room on the stb side of the engine to install.