advice on suzuki outboard

23yellow · #1 06-24-2003, 01:03 AM

So I picked up the boat on Saturday morning because they said it was done. Pulled away from the dock and became quite pissed to find out that nothing had changed. Took the boat back 10 minutes later and told them to figure out the problem and get back to me as soon as possible. Later that afternoon, they called and turns out the #6 piston was blown. Dad and I are not to happy because it has taken a complete total of 5 and a half months to figure this out. In conclusion, not to happy with our 99 225 Suzuki!! Alot of work to be done on it now. I just hope to have a boat before summer is over.

Ed · #2 06-23-2003, 07:45 PM

Trevor-

That should be covered under your 6 year extended Suzuki/GE warranty. You'll most likely get a brandy new powerhead out of the deal. Let me know how you make out ( I have the same extended 6 year warranty and it expires in August 2004). I've heard from others that if one cylinder does go bad in a Suzuki it is always number 6.

Couple of quick questions for you. What oil were have you been running in the motor? Did you use ring free or some other decarbon solution? Is it mounted at the standard height? What kind of use does your motor see on a regular basis...trolling, cruising or hold on...we're flying???

Good luck-

Ed

John R · #3 06-25-2003, 09:34 AM

What do you guys consider the best methods for determining compression readings? 2 Strokes being a lot different from 4s, do you:

Spray some oil into each cylinder before taking test?
Test Cold, Test Hot, Test both?
Test under power?

Thanks...

Briguy · #4 06-25-2003, 11:22 AM

John,

I have always tested cold and have never tested hot. Since the piston and rings expand you may get a higher number when hot. In any case, I would never test a motor while under a load.

Jon G · #5 06-25-2003, 06:24 PM

John this came straight from a mechanic I work with. I tested my Merc [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] yesterday(Getting new Suzuki next week [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ). Warm engine up then remove all spark plugs set the throttle to full open and then test one cylinder at a time. I was told if you find a cylinder that is low you can spray some oil in and try it again. If the reading goes up you have a ring problem( as the oil helps seal the rings temporarily) if it stays the same you have some other problem causing the loss (cracked piston, head gasket etc.)

John R · #6 06-26-2003, 11:18 AM

Thanks! Any other recommendations from the peanut gallery [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

JAL · #7 06-27-2003, 01:12 AM

Spraying oil into the cylinders is an old "mechanics trick" which helps the rings seal to improve the results on a compression check. For a true reading, don't do it. Also, allowing the engine to run will help rings seal, especially on two-strokes which burn a mixture of oil and gas.

For the most accurate test, check an engine that has not been run. I have always been slightly suspicious when checking out used outboards or boats when the owner has "warmed up" the motor just prior to my arrival.

There are two types of compression tests- one should do both since they give different results. One measures the pressure that is created while the engine is cranked (compression stroke). The second test measures how well a cylinder holds pressure (leak down test). Since an engine piston utilizes a set of rings on each cylinder for sealing purposes (with different functions), both tests give a better picture of the ring and cylinder wall conditions.

FYI, these tests require two seperate testing tools...