Last Summer after researching outboards, I decided to purchase a Suzuki DF15 outboard as my first outboard motor.
I made my decision based on lack of complaints about the company, they were the lightest in this size and the cost was reasonable. Unfortunately it was the worst mistake I have made.
I read through the manual, and began the break in process. I ran it at our cottage for 1-2 hrs the first day, and the next time probably 1-1.5 hours, and ALWAYS flushed out when removed from water as it is salt water there. The third trip out seemed normal, but motor just didnt seem to be working the same. I brought it in and found water in the oil. (Great SALT water in my NEW outboard.)
I took it in for service and asked for a NEW replacement, as I didnt want a rebuilt motor after paying for a new one. Unfortunately, they said Suzuki would never replace it, they only have to repair it. I asked to get the number for the Suzuki rep and was told they would have him call me. I received no call from a Suzuki rep or responses to my emails at Suzuki. With the wait for the rep to see it, and getting the parts, It took over a month to get my outboard back, just in time to store it in the basment for winter.
This year I take it out for it's first run on the river. For almost 2 hours things seemed great, when all of the sudden the motor died abruptly. Tried restarting but wouldnt run, and throttle handle stuck in the 1/2 position and wouldnt go back. Figured it was a linkage problem, but couldnt fix on the water, so had to row boat back to dock. I found linkage screw was loose causing linkage to come apart, a simple fix.
I used the motor 2 more times after this adding another couple of hours to the operating time. Upon cleaning the motor up and checking things over, I was appauled to find water in the oil AGAIN!!
Another 4.5hr drive to nearest Dealer and then back. They are now supposedly tearing it apart again, its been 2 weeks and NO CALLS. I told them I wanted the reps phone number and was denied, they said they cant give it out. I demanded he call me, saying this is totally unacceptable. There should be some lemon law protecting people from junk like this. Ive emailed Suzuki and all ive received was an automated email saying someone would get back to me in the next 4-5days; its going on 3 weeks now.
So 1 breakdown, and 2 motor jobs on a NEW outboard with less than 14hrs on it. (NOT a good record if you ask me)
I feel I only have one choice left now. Let them repair it, then dump it, and go get the Honda I wanted in the first place.
Any suggestions on where I should go with this.
Thanks for the help.
I made my decision based on lack of complaints about the company, they were the lightest in this size and the cost was reasonable. Unfortunately it was the worst mistake I have made.
I read through the manual, and began the break in process. I ran it at our cottage for 1-2 hrs the first day, and the next time probably 1-1.5 hours, and ALWAYS flushed out when removed from water as it is salt water there. The third trip out seemed normal, but motor just didnt seem to be working the same. I brought it in and found water in the oil. (Great SALT water in my NEW outboard.)
I took it in for service and asked for a NEW replacement, as I didnt want a rebuilt motor after paying for a new one. Unfortunately, they said Suzuki would never replace it, they only have to repair it. I asked to get the number for the Suzuki rep and was told they would have him call me. I received no call from a Suzuki rep or responses to my emails at Suzuki. With the wait for the rep to see it, and getting the parts, It took over a month to get my outboard back, just in time to store it in the basment for winter.
This year I take it out for it's first run on the river. For almost 2 hours things seemed great, when all of the sudden the motor died abruptly. Tried restarting but wouldnt run, and throttle handle stuck in the 1/2 position and wouldnt go back. Figured it was a linkage problem, but couldnt fix on the water, so had to row boat back to dock. I found linkage screw was loose causing linkage to come apart, a simple fix.
I used the motor 2 more times after this adding another couple of hours to the operating time. Upon cleaning the motor up and checking things over, I was appauled to find water in the oil AGAIN!!
Another 4.5hr drive to nearest Dealer and then back. They are now supposedly tearing it apart again, its been 2 weeks and NO CALLS. I told them I wanted the reps phone number and was denied, they said they cant give it out. I demanded he call me, saying this is totally unacceptable. There should be some lemon law protecting people from junk like this. Ive emailed Suzuki and all ive received was an automated email saying someone would get back to me in the next 4-5days; its going on 3 weeks now.
So 1 breakdown, and 2 motor jobs on a NEW outboard with less than 14hrs on it. (NOT a good record if you ask me)
I feel I only have one choice left now. Let them repair it, then dump it, and go get the Honda I wanted in the first place.
Any suggestions on where I should go with this.
Thanks for the help.
