Suzuki Water Pump

BEGNO

Recruit
Joined
Jan 25, 2004
Messages
2
I have a 1987 Suzuki DT65 that I overhauled last year, doing away with the oil injection and now manually mixing 50:1<br /><br />Been using it plenty for the last year, runs great! Just don't idle for long periods to avoid smoking and don't want any carbon build up in the rings.<br /><br />Recently the water temperature light flashed on and off a couple of times but the water stream was still strong at the tell-tale and was just warm to the touch, also warmer (than the water)to the touch at the engine block.<br /><br />Used the boat a few times since and the light would occasionally flash on and off at 1/2 and greater throttle.<br /><br />I put in a new water pump kit (the old was not worn that bad, it was just a year old and the housing has no noticeable scratches or scars)(I did not change the housing)<br />First time out the light still occasionally flashes at 1/2 and greater throttle.<br /><br />I was wondering if I need to replace the housing and or the tube and grommets? Another question, is does the tell-tale pissing a strong stream indicate that water is filling the block completely and properly cooling the engine?<br /><br />3 months ago I put this motor on an aluminum boat that has trim tabs and set the cavitation plate level with bottom of boat. Trim tabs cause a rooster tale spray and cavitation plate rides top of water. The water intake is under water. Perhaps I'm getting air bubbles with the water causing the light to come on? Perhaps I need to lower the motor one more hole?<br /><br />Thanks for any suggestions and answers to the questions.
 

jim dozier

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 8, 2003
Messages
1,970
Re: Suzuki Water Pump

Probably you should verify that the engine is overheating when the light comes on. I have read on these forums that you can get an infra red electronic thermometer which you just point at a part of the engine block or cylinder head for a reasonable price at Radio Shack. The engine may indeed be overheating due to a stuck thermostat, leaking head gasket, leaking exhaust cover gasket, leaking powerhead gasket, incorrect ignition timing, or sucking air.<br /><br />Or your heat sensor/hot light may be funky and giving false signals and in need of replacement.<br /><br />You may want to consider adding a temp gauge and/or water pressure gage. If you don't go infra red you can buy heat stick crayons at the dealers and mark the block and check.
 

bossee

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 18, 2002
Messages
727
Re: Suzuki Water Pump

Hi,<br />I had a Suzuki DT65 (1991) before and had some strange overheating problems at about 1/2 throttle(or more). New impeller and thermostat was installed but did not help. New water level switch installed, did not help. A Suzuki service center flushed water cooling channels inside the outboard (they said it was some "debris" that came out) and also discovered that the newly installed water level switch was defect - replaced it and the outboard worked just fine.<br />Note sure if this can be part of the problem with your outboard.<br /><br />You can test the water level switch, if you remove it, with an Ohm-meter. Float in lower(closed, on) position continuity should exist.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />/Bo
 

BEGNO

Recruit
Joined
Jan 25, 2004
Messages
2
Re: Suzuki Water Pump

I checked with a Suzuki Dealer that I get parts from and purchased my aluminum boat from.<br /><br />He told me with the information I gave him, being the motor is not getting hot and steaming when shutting it off, he said he has faced this issue before and to his experience it is the water sensor that is malfunctioning under operation.<br /><br />He said the water sensor can bench test but malfunction installed in the engine under operating conditions.
 
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