1998 Suzuki 140 EFI..opinions?

[reyb]

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

[THEFERMANATOR]

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.

[reyb]

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?

[THEFERMANATOR]

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.

[bradford]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

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.

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.

[leeprice72]

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

[csvencer]

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