Suzuki DF140?

[randlemanboater]

Did you see any signs of corrosion on the outside?

[SkunkBoat]

Before it broke thru and covered the engine in exhaust soot, you would have sworn it was a brand new engine. Of course, I have never removed the port side cover because the oil drain and filter are on the other side. Looking at the damage I think you might notice a rusty appearance to the steel plug but the aluminum corroded from inside out.
Do you risk removing the plug to take a look? If it is bad you ruin the aluminum housing and have to fix it now. If its good, you get peace of mind. Notice Suzuki isn't recommending it as maintenance...don't want to open cans of worms!
Going to try to pick up the V20 "sans motor" tomorrow if the 1/4 " of snow melts.
Good Luck.
C

[dboyd351]

I would also consider replacing the fuel lines. My next door neighbor has a 115 Suzuki (2007, I think) and this past summer the fuel lines turned to stretchy "gummy Bears" with holes in them. We were fishing and suddenly the motor wouldn't start, then we smelled gas. Pulled the cowling and saw holes in the fuel line. Managed to cut out a section, re-route it and make it home. Must have been the ethanol they switched to the year before in this area. We were fortunate to make it home under our own power. The motor had been worked on previously, so maybe the stock fuel lines were replaced with something non-ethanol resistant then - we don't know.

Still, might be cheap insurance to replace them or carry spares!