89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

[philtheskipper]

The pilot water hole used to "pee" with great pressure. Now it is very week. The water pump and water flow sensor were just replaced and still have same problem. Also, the lower half of the powerhead is cool to the touch but the upper half is hot. I can hold my hand on the upper half for about 5 seconds before discomfort. Is all of this normal or anything to worry about? Should I replace the thermostat? I should mention that I'm not getting any alarms and engine runs great. I'm doing all this testing in the driveway at idle with water muffs. Just want to make sure I have plenty of water flow before I take her out this year.

 

[DJ]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

The ability to hold your hand on for 5 seonds does not bother me, however, the difference in temps does.<br /><br />A couple things to consider.<br /><br />1. The telltale hose is clogged.<br /><br />2. The water tube to the engine is not installed correctly. A common mistake when reinstalling the lower unit.<br /><br />I would put the engine in the water to see if the temp. differential changes. Muffs can be misleading.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

Thanks for the reply. I don't think the water tube was installed wrong. The problem started before the water impeller was replaced and the work was done by a professional. I already removed the rubber hose that connects to the telltale outlet on the motor and it is clear. I was thinking maybe not enough water was getting to the upper part of the engine, but that is where the water flow sensor(float) is. I'm stumped.

 

[walden75]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

I just had a similar issue with my DT 150 turned out just to be the thermostat was stuck on the port side of the motor, I ran it without the stat, and the other with one (which is brand new) and the temps held evenly at about 160 (running at 2000RPMs sitting at the dock) I used a portable laser temp sensor and it was very handy, the hotest spots I could find where right near the the temp sensors. Which would make sense to me, just thought Id pass it along, good luck with it.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

I'll replace the thermostat. Not sure if it'll help any but at least I know there's a new one in it.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

As was mentioned above by DJ, before you do anything else put the engine in the water. Do not evaluate the cooling system on the muffs. Also, are you taping off the second water intake on the bottom of the cavitation plate when you use the muffs? Some muffs seal better than others, mine leak and if I don't sqeeze them together with my hands at the beginning of the flush out I can see a difference in the amount of water being circulated.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

Yes, I tape the secondary water intake with duct tape.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

You guys were right. I put it in the water and the telltale was back to normal. I didn't have time to feel the block for temp cuz a thunderstorm decided to pop up right when I got to the ramp. So there I was, at the ramp starting my boat while it's pouring outside. Those people sitting in their trucks must of thought I was crazy. I didn't want to pull the engine hood off while it was pouring so I'll check that next time. Thanks for the help!

 

[bneugent]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

Hi phil this is Bob <br />I am trying to find the cooling problem I am having with my DT140. Did you need to change the thermostat to finally cure the problem or did you just put it in the water and everything was OK. My shop keeps insisting that the thermostat can have nothing to do with the lack of water out the **** hole. They have replaced the water pump three times <br />Bob

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: 89 Suzuki dt140... Water flow/cooling problem?

I had a similar problem with my DT115 and after a whole long debate and lots of nightmares, it was my waterpumpcasing that was cracked, it still pumped water but not as strong as it used to be, got a new one and all back to normal .....