Suzuki or Yamaha? And why?

[THEFERMANATOR]

I HATE saying it, but I would go for a YAMAHA. I LOVE SUZUKI outboards, but they are PLAGUED with corrosion going all the way back to the beginning. They have tried adding in all kinds of zincs to combat the issue, but it still boils down to they use cheap aluminum. YAMAHA on the other hand uses decent aluminum AND proper zinc placement to combat the issue so long as you do your part and keep up with your maintence. The YAMAHA 150 is a heck of an engine from what I've heard. Theres a member here who had one, and had nothing but positive to say. You could also look at there new 175/200 as they are nearly identical in weight to the 150 if you want some extra giddyup for the calm days.

If I was looking for the perfect match, I would have to say a 2.5L OPTIMAX would get my nod though just to throw a monkey wrench into the equation.

[Kracker Jack]

Here is the plug in question. Steel plugs were used......not very smart. This is my motor

[spareparts]

Originally Posted by Kracker Jack

Here is the plug in question. Steel plugs were used......not very smart. This is my motor

there are other corrosion issues with Suzukis, Ive got a 115 on the rack in my shop that is making milky oil, runs great otherwise. General consensus is the cylinder head is corroded thru. I'll add to what Phat Daddy said, the newer Mercury 150's are getting great reviews.


Friends of mine, 8700 hour 150's http://yamahaoutboards.com/yamaha-advantage/reliability

[SkunkBoat]

Originally Posted by Kracker Jack

Here is the plug in question. Steel plugs were used......not very smart. This is my motor

I have a post or two addressing that problem (search DF140) so I won't repeat it all. If thats the same plug as mine in the exhaust it was fixable. Mine is an 2003 that I bought in 04. It now has 1200 hrs. Yamaha had a similar exhaust housing problem in the 2003ish vintage four strokes so there you go... Four strokes were relatively new in 2003 and I think all mfgrs have worked the problems out...except Verados...

I agree there are way more dealer/service guys for Yamaha and that's a very valid consideration. resale is probably much better also. Yamahas are great motors.
I haven't priced them in a while but it used to be $2k difference at least. That means you might be able to get the upgraded instrument package with the trolling rpm control, fuel burn, etc... or get a 175 for the price of a Yammie 150

I like that the Suzukis have timing chains not belts and I like the offset shaft that puts the weight closer to the transom. I would replace my DF140 with a new DF150 without hesitation... unless I somehow got a really great deal on a Yammie from a highly regarded dealer. Did I say Yamahas are great motors?

Oh and stay with four stroke...end the blue smoke!

[Kracker Jack]

Just got a great price. 150 Suzuki, new prop,gauge,binnacle, harness and hydraulic uniflex steering installed all for $13,775.

[SkunkBoat]

Nice!

So your 140 doesn't run or just leaking from the corroded plug? or did it get into the oil pan?

When mine started leaking I would have idle & stalling trouble after running hard because the exhaust was getting sucked into intake.
If you are mechanically inclined you can get an "Engine Holder assy" & gaskets for about $850. Labor would kill..
I heard of some people cleaning it up and using JBWELD...

[Kracker Jack]

What I'm thinking is the exhaust cam locked up and the spit gear everywhere

[Blue_Runner]

Originally Posted by Kracker Jack

Just got a great price. 150 Suzuki, new prop,gauge,binnacle, harness and hydraulic uniflex steering installed all for $13,775.

That sounds like a good price to me Kracker.

[phatdaddy]

What is the weight diffference between the 150 & your 140?

[Kracker Jack]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

What is the weight diffference between the 150 & your 140?

I think it's like 111 lbs. I need stern weight

111 pounds is the difference. If y'all remember the earlier pics of my boats it shows I need stern weight. Check the chine out in the rear. This boat runs super light