2003 Zuke D140?

[SkunkBoat]

I've been mostly happy with my 2004 that I bought new for $10k installed. I did have the corrosion problem with the steel plug. To see my thread on that type DF140 in Search.

It is 10 years old now, 900+ hrs. Just changed the head zincs. They were due.
The head still looks great.

Just recently started getting a check engine error for Idle Air Control valve. I sprayed the hell out of it and did the Idle adjustment to spec and it worked for two trips and now I get it intermittently if I run hard and back off fast. New valve is $250 on Boats.net, probably order it soon

Its been very reliable, always starts at the turn of the key. WAY better than the 150 Merc I had before it, which had corrosion and many recurring starting and idling problems.

That price is ridiculous but as for the motor, I would buy a Suzuki four stroke again. My brother has a 1990 2 stroke 9.9 that still gets him where he's going while he tries to fix his 150 Merc.

Any used motor can be good or crap, does'nt matter the brand. They are a gamble and that's why they should be cheap.

[Gallagher]

Thanks, SkunkBoat. That's some good info. I'm thinking I'll offer him $4,000 with an inspection.

[randlemanboater]

I have had very good service from my 2003 Johnson DF140 (same motor, different paint). I would say that mine has been close to 50/50 salt/fresh water use, I have had no problem with corrosion. But mine rarly stays in the water for more than a few days and I am meticulous about spraying it off and flushing it after salt use.

The motor pushes my boat nicely (40 mph top speed GPS measured), gets close to 5 mpg, starts on the first crank every time (even after sitting for a couple months), and the only things I have ever done to it is oil changes, water pumps, and spark plugs.

Just two weeks ago in the Keys I put the boat on gear to pull away from the gas pump and a guy on the dock looked astonished and said "I didn't even hear that thing running".

Mine new in 2003 was around $7200.

If you get it you will love it.

[randlemanboater]

After reading this thread, I better go inspect mine closer....it may be about to disintegrate right there on the transom.

[SkunkBoat]

Originally Posted by randlemanboater

After reading this thread, I better go inspect mine closer....it may be about to disintegrate right there on the transom.

HEHEHE yeah I was thinking the same thing

If you do get around to changing the Head zincs, there are two in the head and two on the Rectifier. two use o-rings and two use gaskets. Boats.net has great exploded view diagrams, easy to get the right parts. Good prices. I also changed the T-stat, it was popped. I did just change the IAC valve today, seems good but need to make a day trip to see if the idle problem shows up again.
It is great that Suzuki has diagnostic codes on the Tach. Yuo need the service manual to know what they mean though. Without it I would have panicked and been at the mercy of dealer service.

[randlemanboater]

I went out and pulled the hood the other day...looks almost brand new under there, no sign of any corrosion on the outside of that plug...may be eat up inside but I cant see it.

I do have a little rust on a few bolts here and there on the top of the motor where it took a splash of salt water at some point years ago...I just spray it down with WD-40 now and then and it hasn't gotten any worse.