Cooling help needed (Suzuki) by novice owner

[dally1up]

New boat owner and I have recently purchased a boat with a DT55. The boat/motor (89 model) are very clean and I knew the previous owner. <br /><br />Yesterday, I took the boat out and it ran like a champ except for the tell tale pee hole did not stream any water out. I took a wire to the hole and still nothing. No alarm. The previous owner had trouble w/ the stream but always a wire "cleared the clog".<br /><br />What should I do? Impeller? How hard is an impeller to replace for a novice? How much $ to pay a shop to do it? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Also, will the Tell Tale stream ALWAYS be on, even in cool water, air temps?

 

[31900]

Re: Cooling help needed (Suzuki) by novice owner

G 'Day,<br />The telltale should flow when ever the motor is running. It shows that there is cooling water available and does not rely on thermostats opening or the air or water temperature. Since you have run the boat without receiving an alarm I guess you have a blockage problem. I once owned the same motor and found that some insect loved to block the hole with mud. Take the cowling off and remove the hose leading to the peehole. Blow through it and clean it thoroughly. Check that water can flow through the hole where the hose connects to the motor. Replace and run the motor on muffs. If you don't get a stream now you probably have a impeller problem. No idea what cost in the US. In Aus about $180.

 

[sirlespat]

Re: Cooling help needed (Suzuki) by novice owner

Hi Adam1,<br />I have a DT85 1985 model Buying an impeller from the (only I think) Suzuki marine dealer in Perth cost me $40 australian in 2002 ( was it that long ago i'd better replace it) If you haven't tried them give them a call. a mate who has had a boat most his life had given me a bad report about them. However once I went and saw them and bought parts from them i think he was wrong. Very helpful infact beyond the call of duty. Maybe this can save you some money next time.

 

[31900]

Re: Cooling help needed (Suzuki) by novice owner

Hi sirelespat,<br />You may have mis-read my post. I don't have the Suzuki anymore and am now running a Yammy. When I did have the Suz, I had major work done by Central Marine in Osborne Park. I can't speak highly enough of them. I guess you were thinking of the dealer out Kenwick or Armadale way. I have had good reports about him too but he is too far away from me (Bullsbrook).

 

[bossee]

Re: Cooling help needed (Suzuki) by novice owner

Hi,<br />To get a trouble free season now as a new boat and outboard owner I suggest this, if economy permit:<br /><br />1. Since You are new boat owner (I assume also to outboards) I suggest You have the Suzuki DT55 serviced.<br />2. At the same time have the water pump rubber wheel (impeller) replaced including the rubber grommets for the water tube that goes from water pump up into powerhead.<br />3. A new thermostat may be a good thing also, at least have it removed and checked so it is in good condition and open at correct temperature. But be careful with the bolts - may have corroded and then risk it will break when You try to loose them.<br />4. You may want, if You have it serviced, to have the cooling channels washed out so any debris, mud etc can be cleaned out. Since the tell tale seems to get clogged that can be an indication that You should do this (assuming it is just not clog in the tell tale tube).<br />5. Preventive manintenance, considering that your outboard is rather old and assuming this has never been replaced/serviced: have the fuel pump rubber diaphram set replaced (does not cost much) since it will sooner or later get cracks or some holes in the rubber and you will get fuel delivery problem.<br />6. You should also be very careful to check so all the houses and clips are in good condition, You do not want to run dry on oil or fuel so You get the cylinders etc damaged by poor lubrication.<br /><br />Of course You can use Your outboard as it is without making any service etc but remember then that an outboard needs regular maintenance to work reliable.<br />If You want to perform maintenance Yourself I suggest You buy a Suzuki Service Manual or at least a Seloc or Clymer Shop/Repair Manual that covers Your model and Year.<br />I do not recommend You change the impeller alone the first time if You want to do it, try to find somone that has done it before since there are some things You must be careful with (at least on Your Suzuki DT55, for example to not get the gear rod out of it's orginal place beacuse if it come loose it is time for a lower unit tear down to get it back).<br /><br />I had a Suzuki DT65 (1991) before, great outboard if You take care of it. I use Yamaha (F115, 2003 4-stroke now). Picture of my DT65:<br />