1981 Suzuki DT65 won't squirt water

[lumpy_63]

I recently bought a boat with a 1981 Suzuki DT65 motor. Previous owner said rectifier was overheated/melted. I changed it and had no spark; re-installed the old rectifier and motor started up but had no water squirting from discharge hole, just exhaust exiting there. Now I think the previous owner had an impeller go bad or something (he hadn't changed it in 10 years of ownership!). Would a 1981 DT65 have a water temp. alarm or shutoff of some kind? Both cylinders are 115-120 psi in compression test. Thanks for any help.

 

[bossee]

Re: 1981 Suzuki DT65 won't squirt water

Hi,

Go to brownspoint.com and Parts Look-Up.
There you will find PDF files with parts listings and pictures.

It is probably impeller (water pump) that needs to be replaced. It is not that difficult to change but you have to be careful with the clutch rod so it does not come out of position.
Place the remote control in neutral.
Disconnect the clutch rod under the cowl (it is rather tight there but it can be disconnected).
See Fig 11 in PDF file on brownspoint.
Remove all bolts that hold the lower unit. Carefully lower the lower unit and watch carefully so the clutch rod do not move out of it's neutral position.
Remove waterpump house and replace the rubber impeller. It is wise to change the rubber sealings in both ends of water pipe (that goes from waterpump up to powerhead). See Fig 8 Water pump in PDF.
Buy a waterpump repair kit so you get new gaskets also.
You can order everything you need from brownspoint for example.
Buy a Suzuki Shop manual and Owners manual also unless you have it already.

I think a DT65 1981 can have a heat switch - see Fig 49 (nr 10 Thermo unit). Usually there is a buzzer alarm in remote control that would beep if overheat condition. Probably the rev limiter will kick in as well if overheat (140 deg F/60 deg C).
Like at 2000 RPM or similar.
I think there was a temp guage available for DT65 1981 also - see Fig 49.

At least it has a thermostat that can be wise to check it works but be careful so you do not break the bolts for the thermostat cover. Mount it back in same position it was before.

I had a Suzuki DT65 (1991) before. Worked fine.

Good luck.
/Bo

 

[imported_stinger]

Re: 1981 Suzuki DT65 won't squirt water

Hi,
It’s time to change your 10 years impeller, other than an engine overheat, if it becomes damaged it can cause some rubber debris in the water conduits and this condition has to be avoided because may cause future problems due to obstructions. In any case do not rely on the caution system to alert you to any malfunction. Moreover please note that on two Suzuki engines I often experienced a difficult to have a clear water flux from the pilot hole, I have to clean it frequently with an electrical wire
bye

 

[lumpy_63]

Re: 1981 Suzuki DT65 won't squirt water

bossee and stinger, thank you very much for your help! I have the Suzuki service manual which shows a complete lower unit disassembly, but is not too clear about which steps can be omitted if you only want to change the impeller and related items.