suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

[micel]

I have been contemplating buying a df175,but a merc mechanic I ran across said they have been having alot of problems with timing chains.He also said the powerhead has to be pulled just to get to chain!What worries me is that this engine has only been on the market for 1 1/2 year's.I have talked with two local suzuki dealers that have said that they have not had any issues with the chains yet,but neither would let me talk with their tech's .I know I do not want to be pulling the powerhead off every year after warranty!

 

[clanton]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

Chain will become noisy after, I forget the number of hours. May not be replaced under warranty.

 

[micel]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

Thanks for input,I wish more techs would come forth and say if they see this often or not.Why would the chain and sproket's not be covered under warranty?This is a 0-tolerance engine,so if chain did go it would take the whole powerhead with it! I like the idea of being green(quiet,emissions,fuel savings)plus the money I would save in fuel would pay off engine in two years so I really would like to switch to four stroke,but I like the fact I can fix the late model(1996-2003) 2-strokes quite easily when warranty is up,plus who wants their new outboard in the shop all the time!

 

[clanton]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

Evinerude E-tech is just as green.

 

[micel]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

Another positive issue of 4-stroke is that alot of lakes are not allowing 2-strokes on them now ,this is going to be more of the norm in future!I would love to have the e-tec 200 (420lbs),this would make my flats boat fly. My dt150 weighs 470lbs an can't use hyd. jackplate b/c leverage caused by set back & the extra 40t lbs.Hopefulyl somebody will come out with a lighter 150 or 200 so I can use a jackplate! The whole problem I have with current set up is I have a 25" shaft and need a 20",too costly to change on old dt, so I'm thinking of getting a new 20" df!

 

[bezerk]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

never had a timing chain proplem worked on hundreds of suzuki fourstrokes

 

[micel]

Re: suzuki df175 timing chain problems?

Thanks for input ! I,m just very cautious in buying such a new model,theres no turning back to the dt,b/c I have no place to keep it.The tech that brought the issue to my attention mainly works on fast bay boats and stated that it happens from catching air and landing(seas,wakes and etc.),saying this puts alot of tension on chain,which makes sense.I think this would be a problem with all 4-strokes,but this being a zero tolerance engine , having a chain instead of a belt,plus the accessibility issue does'nt sound too good!