1989 Suzuki Dt 115 Water sensor/water discharge problem

[zed75]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum and hoping that I can find some guidance. I just purchased my first bass boat (used). I took it out for the first time today and encountered some problems. The motor started up immediately and idled very well. The pilot(pee) hole had water coming out but the water discharge at the rear of the engine did not. The water indicator light was on and the alarm was sounding. I read in the manual that came with the dt 115 that it could take several minutes for the engine to warm up enough for the water to being discharging. So out I went (buzzer and all) and kept it just above idle for about 10 minutes (I didn't have a choice because the rev alarm wouldn't let me go above 3000 rpm). Long story longer - the water was still not discharging so I shut the motor down, removed the cowl and touched the motor to see if it was hot. It was barely warm. I went to the front of the boat and played with the foot troller for about 10 min(like I said, first boat) and then tried to start the motor up again. This time I didn't get anything - not a single noise/crank/click. The batteries are all brand new and at the time of this posting are about 10 min. used.

So here's the summary.
1. Water from the pee hole but not the discharge - Is this normal?
2. Water alarm - thermostat?
3. Boat won't even crank - the boat was in neutral - any ideas?

Sorry for the long windedness but I will greatly appreciate any insight.

 

[James R]

Re: 1989 Suzuki Dt 115 Water sensor/water discharge problem

Starting at the beginning,as you have more than one problem,not big I think but annoying.The most likely turning over problems are bad connections, battery, solenoid, starter motor. Neutral position switch in the remote control. Need to get these checked out and the motor turning again before we go at the water problem. I don't know how mechanically minded you are so I cannot give you direction to make tests without doing damage.

 

[zed75]

Re: 1989 Suzuki Dt 115 Water sensor/water discharge problem

James R - thanks for the response.

I think I have the starting issue figured out. If my throttle is not in exactly neutral position, the boat won't crank. I noticed the throttle lever was just barely out of vertical so I adjusted it slightly and my boat started right up. I thought neutral meant not in gear. Anyway, now I know. I am pretty mechanically minded, but also inexperienced working with boat motors. I have decided to let a professional handle the cooling system work. I'm sure I'll have a million more posts and questions before all is said and done though. I'll be sure to let everyone know what happens with my mechanic. Thanks again for your help.