89 Suzuki, Worth Repairing

[gmonicam]

I bought an '89 85 hp "reconditioned" Suzuki motor last year. On the fifth use, the engine overheated. The sensor never sounded and the pistons ended up bending. Appears the water pump blew although the seller who is in marine repair is taking no responsiblity. He is quoting $1,500 - $2,000 to repair. Needless to say he won't be doing the work. Is it worth the investment or would it be good money after bad? If pistons are bent, water pump is dead, and thermostat melted, is $1,500 about what I'm going to pay? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: 89 Suzuki, Worth Repairing

It's a tossup, GMonicam. If it were me, I would replace it, but that would be based on my priorities and budget limitations, not yours. <br /><br />Red sky at night. . . . <br />JB

 

[dmessy]

Re: 89 Suzuki, Worth Repairing

1500$ is in the ballpark for the fix...learn outboard mechanics and save boocoo $...Ive experienced the same overheat/meltdown problems on 20-75HP engines and have been able to bring them back to life for <300$ in parts...this is a good oppertunity to do a tear down, you get the knowledge and experience and if you get it right,great, if not, part it out to cut your losses and start anew( or a used)...

 

[gmonicam]

Re: 89 Suzuki, Worth Repairing

dmessy -- Thanks for the advice. Since I don't know anything about engine repair; any suggestions on a book I could get in addition to the repair manual for an '89 Suzuki or should the engine manual be enough? Any suggestions on a good place to get parts?

 

[substuff]

Re: 89 Suzuki, Worth Repairing

when I went to buy a boat the sales person<br />told if you a mercury and you dont like the dealer in miami you still have 25 to choose<br />from but suzuki dealers the three i have to <br />stink you cant get help anywhere to fix them<br />I have a 225 hp suzuki 5 years no breakdowns<br />now one month down I dont trust dealers as you know in boating world the word gets around buy merc even if they break more most people can fix then never will i repeat that mistake again