Suzuki DF 140 - Issue - The Hull Truth

The Business · 10-22-2007, 11:55 AM

I just had my engine in for the 20 hour service and planing issue twice this weekend. After fishing all day Saturday I couldn't get the engine over 3500 rpm's, I stopped the boat, raised the engine and checked the lower unit. Didn't see anything. Put hard in reverse and then it was fine. Same thing happened ferst thing Sunday morning. Any idea's?

kchace · 10-22-2007, 01:03 PM

How about a control cable or control problem? The only thing putting it in reverse *should* be doing is exercising the control and cables. I wonder if you have a loose cable? If you remove the starboard side panel there is a large bolt and a special plate which *should* be holding the cables in the correct position. They could work for a long time (or not) if that is not installed properly. I found the bolt very loose on my new install. You could also check inside your control housing to make sure everything is attached properly.

Ken

mb_24 · 10-22-2007, 02:05 PM

Was it stuttering at 3500rpms? You know, hiccuping?

I know when the oil system has an issue, it won't let it run over 3000 rpms, and when it hits that threshold, it stutters and coughs. Didn't know if a malfunctioning sensor was affecting it. Although "clearing it' with reverse kind of shoots my theory.

The Business · 10-22-2007, 02:13 PM

Nope, it didn't hiccup. The change oil alarm is still going off from reaching 20 hours. I haven't figured out to reset on the SMIS guage.

If it was trash in the fuel line, it would sputter/hiccup also?

stingerhook · 10-22-2007, 02:20 PM

If u turn the key to the on position and pull the kill switch (three?) times should reset the change oil counter.

Also, i have had the 3500RPMs and no more problem on one of mine when the lower spark plug was fouled? have to pull the middle cowling to get to it. BUT....if a marina did the 20 hours service and now its banged up - I would go right back to them before I get out my tools.

kchace · 10-22-2007, 02:26 PM

The problem here is that it clears up immediately after giving it a bunch of throttle in reverse, correct? If so, that throws out having a fouled plug, bad gas, etc. since none of those things should be affected at all simply by putting it in reverse. Since its new, I think its something mechanical or a slight possibility that its a wiring issue.

Ken

ggibby · 10-22-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

kchace - 10/22/2007 12:03 PM

How about a control cable or control problem? The only thing putting it in reverse *should* be doing is exercising the control and cables. I wonder if you have a loose cable? If you remove the starboard side panel there is a large bolt and a special plate which *should* be holding the cables in the correct position. They could work for a long time (or not) if that is not installed properly. I found the bolt very loose on my new install. You could also check inside your control housing to make sure everything is attached properly.

Ken

Kchase's idea sounds like a very lkely cause. Surely you could take the cover off and note how much the linkages are moving somehow and observe to see if there is any difference when it happens again. I think that would be easily done with a flashlight and would rule in or out the cables as a cause.

Sorry to hear you had problems. What were the seas like? the forecasts were for 2-4 feet and I chickened out Saturday.

The Business · 10-22-2007, 03:45 PM

A little windy on Saturday morning, but nice in the afternoon. Blew yesterday, so no Grouper, but I tried

benjid · 10-24-2007, 10:07 AM

While you are checking the linkages make sure the neutral switch is adjusted correctly and doesn't remain engaged after you put it in gear.

If it is, the rev limiter will be activated and not let you exceed 3k RPMs. You won't get an alarm.