'Freebie' water test. Not good.

[Deck Daddy]

Unclebob,
Give these guys a try www.hardcoremarine.com out of Miami. They always seem to have what we needed. Dont worry, I had a lower unit casing split on me on my shake down cruise on my 17'. Your not alone. DD

[Wilson]

I've bought a few thinks from them.  They do have it all.  I used to just drive over to the lovely section of town where it was located and pick up the parts.

[Unclebob]

Well, I've found a few lower units, USED. Haven't found a rebuilt yet, but I was humbled by the cost, of even the used units.  I don't think I'm willing to spend $700 on a used lower unit for this 25 year old Suzuki engine, much less $1200+ for a rebuilt. If the powerhead was in great shape I might, but it does have some corrosion and who knows what else might fail? In calling around to search for the Suzuki lower unit, I've discovered that there just aren't that many Suzukis out there, and sourcing parts might prove a challenge.

So, I'm at a crossroads. I could either: Buy another used engine on a shoestring budget, or see what I can get for the boat as is. I could spend up to $2500 for a used outboard. I know some of you probably spend that kind of money on a fishfinder, but I'm on a tight budget right now (new baby, new roof next month, etc etc). But, I want to fish! Maybe someone would trade for a smaller running john-boat?

I'll start a thread over in the engines forum, cause I don't know jack about buying used outboards, what models to stay away from, etc.

Thanks

[Wilson]

So your gears are shreded?  Have you pulled the lower unit and looked at it?

[Unclebob]

So your gears are shreded?  Have you pulled the lower unit and looked at it?

I'm quite sure the gears are shredded. I pulled several large chunks out of the drain hole with a small magnet.

[JimCt]

Wilson's right; get the manual, pull it apart and see what's up.  Maybe you can get the individual gear parts, repair it yourself and save some $.

Please bear in mind the highly experienced and knowlegable contributors to this forum are here to watch over your shoulder to learn how to avoid any mistakes you make and to modestly take the credit when you've got it fixed.  Whenever you need an opinion, we'll be here...

[Wilson]

Exactly, you never know.  Check some of these parts outlets.  You may be better off than you expect.  It can't hurt to check the guts of your lower unit out.

[Unclebob]

Okay, I can do that.

I didn't think the lower units were servicable by the average mechanic?

For instance, today I found a lower unit for my engine pretty local, $650, but the guy said that the unit had a large chip in the cavitation plate. I asked if I could take the 'guts' out of that lower unit and put them in mine. He said that with Suzuki's, there was a bunch of shims and special equipment needed to swap the innards. Kinda spooked me.

[scott_gunn]

A chip in the cavitation plate is no big deal.  A welder or machine shop should be able to fix that cheaply.  You can definitely find a place that will rebuild yours for < 1000 or find a rebuilt one that will bolt on.  Don't give up yet!  Lower units get rebuilt/replaced all the time.

[JimCt]

Unclebob:

Enough!

Sit down.  Have a couple of cool beers.
Get the tools out.
Have at it!

[Wilson]

you probably can't make it much worse.  Worst case scenario, you learn something new  :)

[Radioshop]

Bob, read my reply on the engine forum.  Also consider whatever you spend on this outboard is money flushed, NADA value on 1981 DT115 is a whopping $140.00.  Which begs an interesting question, should you be looking at used Suzuki lower units or, entire used Suzuki outboards?  The economics on the entire used outboard might be better.

[Unclebob]

That's a great point RadioShop. I did read your post on the other thread and appreciate your advice.

I'm going to tear the foot off this weekend and see what's up, but I am actively searching for a complete newer replacement outboard also.

[JimCt]

What's the latest news Unclebob?  Find an engine?

[Unclebob]

Still looking! The right deal will come along soon. Tomorrow I'm checking out a local marina that has a few used engines in stock.

One thing has me a bit concerned, though. With the 115 Suzuki, the scuppers were right at the water line when we are seated. When we're at the back of the boat (400lbs), the deck got pretty wet, maybe 10" of water from the transom forward on the deck. Is this normal?

I wonder if I should stay with a 4 cylinder and not a V6 150hp? How much more can 2 cylinders weigh? I wonder what the Suzuki weighs?