1995 Evinrude 225 stator goo question

[Willetts]

Yesterday while troubleshooting my "cant find neutral" problem I noticed some black goo on the block below the stator. From what I've read from Joe these engines use a 35 amp stator and due to the location are prone to "meltdown". I have no symptoms, tach or charging issues.
So i guess my question is for a preventative action I should replace now before it gets worse ?
Also wi I start to see those symptoms before a no start condition or will it just quit on me, or no way to tell ?

 

[joereeves]

I noticed some black goo on the block below the stator. From what I've read, these engines use a 35 amp stator and are prone to "meltdown". I have no symptoms, tach or charging issues. my question is for a preventative action I should replace now before it gets worse ? Also will I start to see those symptoms before a no start condition or will it just quit on me, or no way to tell ?

If the dripping is indeed from the present stator and not from some previous meltdown... yes, replace it now... why wait for trouble to appear?

Symptoms, if you wait, would appear first as cold starts being okay but no ignition on a hot start attempt and you'd have to wait until it cools a bit. Also, as the meltdown graduates... weak, erratic ignition enters the scene... eventually there is no ignition but the warning is lengthy.