87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

[eclinden]

The motor was partially submerged about 3 years ago. Pulled out, Carbs rebuilt and run for about 5 hours. Put into storage for 2.5 years. Recently, carbs rebuilt again, new impeller, other small stuff. Ran very well for about 5-6 hours.....I was cruising along at about 28-30 mph when the engine locked. I didn't hear any unusual noise but then again my hearing isn't all that great. The plugs are clean, no debris in the cylinders. It is locked up tight. Can't budge the motor a millimeter. I know it isn't worth handing over to the local dealer. They're guessing around 3k..basically an overhaul. Never been into an outboard before but have torn down a couple of auto motors.<br /><br />I suspect that the mains may have had some corrosion or something along those lines.<br /><br />Anyone have any thoughts on this?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Eric

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

welcome aboard. <br /> if its a saltwater motor its most likly done for. if its a freshwater motor it may be worth tearing it down for inspection. there are a few places that rebuild those built up cranks, that year suzuki really did not like saltwater.

 

[eclinden]

Re: 87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

It has been used almost exclusively in brackish to salt water. I think a crank assembly(from the local dealer) is $1300. I don't know if that includes pistons. figure in a few other parts & gaskets..if I do all of the work...maybe 1500-1800? <br /><br />For it to suddenly lock up tight, what would have to happen? ASsuming no broken rods or anything. Can a bearing melt or seize up like that?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

yes it can and they do. first thing is purchase a servive manual. then drop the gear case and retest the engine.<br />if its spent much time in alt or brackish water you will need oxy/acetylene,patience, a good drill and bit sharpener and a supply of heli-coils. last 4cyl bult up crank Akkerman's marine did they replaced all the bearings,two rods and two crankpins for about 700. pistons were 80 bucks apiece with rings,pins and circlips, another 20 or so a piece for pin bearings.

 

[eclinden]

Re: 87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

The gearcase is off...no luck there..still siezed. <br /><br />I've been looking for a service manual. I really like the Seloc manuals for my Mercruiser & Alphas on another boat. The Seloc manual for the Suzuki starts in 1988. I can get a Clymer manual for 87 but it isn't nearly as good as a Seloc. Is there a lot of difference between the 87 & 88 DT140?<br />I've gotten as far as taking a bunch of difital pictures of the engine from various angles to help in re-assembly. Not quite enough ambition to tear into it yet. I do have an oxyacetylene torch that I suspect will come in handy. If I could actually get this engine back for under 1000$ I would be delighted. A lot cheaper than buying another used engine in the same horsepower class.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 87 locked DT140 worth fixing?

if they actually come apart a suzuki is very easy to rebuild.<br /> for parts assistance cal phil at fridays marine in saluda VA.<br />the factory manual is rather sketchy but will work if still avalible.<br /> but the cranks are rebuidable, the blocks can be bored. the biggest issue is finding the cause of the sieze.<br /> could be there was water left in the oil tank.<br /> could be the bottom bearing let go.