Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

[Pablo]

Just wanted to ask anybody who has had a late 80's<br />Suzuki outboard, if they would recommend one. I know about the expensive parts and lack of service<br />in certain area's. But I don't think thats a huge problem in the Chicago area. The boat I want has the 140 on it and the dealer won't seperate.<br /> Thanks for any input.

 

[DJ]

Re: Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

ShamaniaCrazy,<br /><br />I know this doesn't exactly fit your question, but. I owned a 1995, DT-140.<br /><br />The engine was:<br /><br />1. Thirsty<br />2. A little quirky in starting until I figured it out-my fault.<br />3. Very well built.<br />4. Hard to get parts for, here in AZ anyway.<br /><br />Is the dealer you are buying it from a Suzy dealer? If so, I would feel more comforatable with it, or locate a dealer first.

 

[DJ]

Re: Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

Sorry, one more thing. The Mikuni carbs. are VERY sensitive. I found it necessary to drain the carb. bowls if I knew it was going to sit for more than a week or two. It's easy to do on this engine though.<br /><br />You'll know if you have a clogged high speed jet, the engine will vibrate badly on acceleration.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

I've got a 1989 DT55. Completely different motor but same era. It has been mighty good to me reliability wise and I would rate the build quality as very high (higher than a johnson and mariner (merc) from the same era I've known). So far, parts have not been far out of line with other motors except for a $25 prop bolt. I'm also lucky enough to have a very good local Suzuki dealer. I'd check out your local dealer before buying.<br /><br />As for the Mikuni carbs, mine are big slobbering thirsty pigs, but I've had no problems whatever with fuel gumming them (unlike my 88 Johnson, but that's another post), but they can be tricky to start after a few days which the dealer says is common to Suzukis from that era.

 

[BiteTime]

Re: Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

I have a 1986 DT140 that I bought with a boat of the same vintage last Christmas.<br /><br />Although my 6th boat, it is my 1st outboard, and I was nervous about the brand. The 'conventional wisdom' I heard growing up (in New Zealand) made me worry about anything but OMC, Merc or Yamaha.<br /><br />Largely as a result of reviewing posts on this board, I decided to take the plunge, and have been very happy so far. Christmas is summer over here and the boat got a lot of use - towing kids & adults on a range of things, fishing including trolling and hour+ runs to fishing spots.<br /><br />It is thirsty, but I suspect not too different from other brands of that year. It will take me a few years to use what I saved by buying this rig vs a similar one with a 140 Yamaha.<br /><br />Contrary to djohn's experience, I don't have any problems starting. My technique (passed to me by the previous owner) is:<br /><br />Plenty of wrist exercise on the bulb - make sure there's gas in the carbs.<br />No lever.<br />Choke in and stays in until it fires.<br /><br />The engine has an automatic high idle for around 10 seconds after start. It has stalled when starting from cold when it drops back to normal idle, but restarts immediately and runs from there.<br /><br />Whatever you buy, have a great time on the water & be safe.

 

[MEM]

Re: Suzuki 1988 DT140 should I take the plunge

my suzuki is hard to start as well when cold but once warm starts perfectly with a touch of the key.mine is apart now due to a rod bearing failure.parts aren't that bad $50 for piston,$59 for the rod i need.dont know why the rod failed.everyone i talk to says suz bottom ends are near bullet proof.