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I am familiar with Mercs, and you are correct. the problem is the rectifier. You should have checked that before replacing stator, although the stator could have been problem. Generally, however, when it's a stator, the engine is not running well either.

When a tach dies, with engine still running well, it's almost ALWAYS a rectifier. Along with the tach, the volt gauge will not show charging with the engine underway, which should read 14.2 volts (if engine has regulated charging).

Can't help you on returning the stator. My guess is once installed, it's not resellable, hence not returnable.

I always try to source Mercury/Quicksilver branded parts, but for something like a rectifier, Sierra would be a decent aftermarket replacement.