1998 Suzuki 140 EFI..opinions?

The corrosion issue with the lower unit applied mostly to the V-6's, but check around where the prop goes into the lower and see if there is any corrosion or signs of splitting in there. Those are actually good engines really, only downfall is the injectors. If they don't get used often enough the injectors will clog up and burn a piston. The 140 SUZUKI is a decent engine for power, but lacking in torque compared to other 4 cylinder 2 strokes in it's HP range. They're also good on fuel as well. I worked on a flats boat beforewith one on it, and it took me over an hour to burn out the 6 gallons of gas I put in it cruising(that was a lightweight hull though). Used to go out with a friend of my dad's that had one on his 22 center console and we averaged about 25 gallons a day with it and would run about 100 miles. Make sure the compression is even, and have it checked out by somebody who KNOWS SUZUKI's and there oil injection systems to make sure the linkage is set correctly. And with any SUZUKI, check it for corrosion THOROUGHLY! that is there only real downfall is the aluminum they used is prone to heavy corrosion.
 
What do you think of the price? I'm thinking at $1200 it's may be worth the risk. With regards to the injectors, what would be a good indicator that they might be clogged?...rough running? Lastly, I'm assuming that I can probably use some SeaFoam to help clean the injectors. Thanks as always Ferm!

Rey
www.orderedaffairs.com
 
At $1200 it's a steal if it is in decent shape. The only real drawback to it is though if it needs rebuilt your better off to find another engine. You can bore the block and such, but the crank bearings are pressed in as they are multi-piece crankshafts. If a rod or main bearing goes you might as well throw it away as the repair costs are EXPENSIVE! If it has good even compression, and you can hear it run. Then make sure it doesn't rattle or anything is about all you can do.
 
if you need the injectors cleaned, I use injetor rx, teh charge about 418 per injector plus shipping. they are in texas
 
Took a look at the outboard yesterday. Compression was approx 115, 120, 111, 120. Also, the lower unit had a *small* crack in it( about an inch long). The description would be going from prop forward...prop, aluminum ring thing that was bolted down by two bolts to the hub and then the hub. The ring had *very* little corrosion on it where the paint was coming off. Again, it was *very* little. Where the ring connect to the hub there was the 1 inch crack. The owner took off the prop and showed me the inside of the hub(where the exhaust comes from) and was telling me that the crack didn't have any affect and that did appear to be the case but then again I'm no expert. Motor started up fine, didn't hear any weird noises and didn't smoke that much. Comments?

Rey
www.orderedaffairs.com
 
Sounds like the powerhead is fine, but plan on a lower unit soon if you buy it. And lower units for SUZUKI's(even used ones) get expensive. This is probably why he is only asking $1200 as he knows a new lower unit costs that much for it.
 
Here's a picture which shows the location of the crack(red line). If I recall correctly, I found it odd that the crack was not at the edge of the hub, but like in the middle...what would cause it? There didn't seem to be any bulge. It was like the crack just showed up. Still think it'll fail soon? If I had it welded would it extend the life by a lot or just a little?
 

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Welding up the lowers normally isn't possible as they crack due to corrosion and the propshaft bearing support being seized in. There price is low to try and get rid of it since they know it will need a lower unit very soon. I bet if you clean that fresh paint off you'll find a bigger crack than you think underneath it.
 
THEFERMANATOR said:
Welding up the lowers normally isn't possible as they crack due to corrosion and the propshaft bearing support being seized in. There price is low to try and get rid of it since they know it will need a lower unit very soon. I bet if you clean that fresh paint off you'll find a bigger crack than you think underneath it.
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Yeah, I saw that paint job and it killed it for me. I had a 50 hp Suzuki of that vintage and it was a rust bucket. Still had 120 lbs compression on both cylinders and would scream. For me though $1200 is a lot to spend knowing you'll need a new foot sooner than later.
 
I just sold one it was a bit older but had the same issues with the lower unit. It was as dt 140. I ended up buying two used foots from private sellers. Never did I get one used that had not been welded. They can definetly be welded. They seem to hold for quite awhile. MY mechanics said typically they drain the fluid from lower unit fill with water, weld it, replace fluid and you are good to go. If you look around you can probably find a used foot for a spare from someone. The prices really get jacked up when a boat shop or dealer gets them. I think I paid under 200 hundred for both of mine. Put an add on craigslist looking for one or your local fishing forum. I have a nice prop for that motor if you need one. My motor always ran great, just had the corrosion issues with the lower unit
 
I say go for it. For that kind of money you will be hard pressed to find something 1998+ in good running order. See if you can knock him down to $1000, run it till something goes wrong and then look at fixing it/replacing it. Even if you buy a reman'd L/U for $1000 you are out 2G's and you have a solid, reliable motor.

I have been in your shoes, shopping for a cheap replacement and have found that if everything is perfect, ie. no cracks in the L/U, you are going to pay a ton more for it vice buying a motor with the chance of something going wrong and fixing it yourself. Just my .02

-Svence
 
Yeah, I'm seriously thinking about it. I think I can probably get it for $1k, but I would need controls(anyone have a binnacle control for it?) and I don't know if I can use my existing Teleflex gauges(previously had an '89 150 BlackMax using them). I look at the problem and think "Ok, how can I fix it?" I do have a couple of welders, but they don't do aluminum. I'll probably go back and look at that lower unit again more closely, assuming it's still available...thanks guys.
 
I know things are more expensive on the West coast but I can find a nice 2.0 liter Merc black max 150hp V-6 around here for $1500. The suzuki two strokes were good motors but that 140 is an inline 4 and Suzuki parts are very hard to come by when you need them. Seems suzuki pretty much dropped support for the old two strokes when they came out with the fours. I have had several 140hp two stokes zukes come in the yard and they all were either missing the lower or had a bad one. Two grand ought to get you a decent 2.6 liter carbed Yamaha.

Brian
 
In San Diego, it seems that there are only a couple of places that sell used motors, so pickings are extremely slim. When I google outboards or check eBay it does seem that the deals and outboards are on the East coast. :(
 
I know but shipping isn't all that bad. If you see a motor near the Annapolis area let me know and I'll check it out for you. Buddy of mine just sold a mint 1999 150hp OMC motor for less than 3,000 (25"). Deals are out there be patient. I just have an anethema toward the Suzuki two strokes as the parts support is a joke.

Brian
 
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