My Suzuki DT 30 overheat alarm now goes off at idle only

[boatster]

Ok guys,<br /><br />sorry to be a hog here but my suzuki dt30 1989 is overheating at idle. If I start running the motor it doesn't overheat. If I go WOT it doesn't overheat either. But if I'm idling for more than a minute the pee stream gets kinda flustery and then the alarm goes off. I feel the head and its HOT. However if I start the motor, then soon after take off and run about anywhere other than idle the motor alarm does not go off. I know I have to get that infrared thermometer. I will I promise. But I do believe the motor is too hot at idle and possibly a little on the warm side while running. I've replaced the impeller and wear plate. What I haven't replaced is the oil seal on the pump housing. When I put the motor on muffs the pee stream is peeing like a horse. I know the water pump isn't putting off enough water at idle. What else could I be missing? Thanks again.<br /><br />Adam

 

[jim dozier]

Re: My Suzuki DT 30 overheat alarm now goes off at idle only

I'm grasping at straws here because you seem to have covered all the bases. If in fact it is overheating at idle, the first thing that comes to mind is you need a need impeller, which you have apparently already replaced. Its a longshot but I have read on these forums where people had to replace new impellers to fix such things. Maybe its worth a try. What is the condition of the water pump housing? Does it have a lot of scoring? You may want to replace the seal. It could be that the pump is sucking enough air at low speed (idle) that it can't push enough water for the job. What is apparent is that if the engine is in fact overheating, not enough water is going to the powerhead for some reason. This points to a problem with the pump or intake most likely the pump.

 

[boatster]

Re: My Suzuki DT 30 overheat alarm now goes off at idle only

Hi jimd,<br /><br />I was thinking lastnight that its very possible that the old oil seal on the pump housing could be worn out. I don't think the rubber itself is worn but possibly the steel spring has lost some spring coefficient and isn't as tight as who knows how long since it was put in. I'm also going to look closer at the housing inside for scoring. At this point I need every ounce of water I can get.<br /><br />EDIT:<br />I just called a suzuki dealer and the water pump housing is $63. OUCH !! I'm going to take a look at my pump housing tonight.