98 DT115 foot is cracked

timster

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
37
I have a 98 DT 115 that I am rebuilding and the foot is cracked from prop back about 8 inches or so. I have been told that this is very common but im not sure if it needs to be repaired or just leave it like it is. I know the previous owner well and I have noticed that it's been cracked for many years. Is it something to worry about?
Also, does anyone know what parts are different on a DT140 other than the ECM? I have a 140 ECM for my 115 and am putting it on as part of the rebuild. I am wanting to know if I need any other parts to make my 115 a 140? Thanks in advance
 

deejaycee_2000

Captain
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
3,447
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

I would get it welded, check to see if the gear oil is milky or not ..... you need to rejet the carbs aswell .... 115 & 140 have different jets ...
 

timster

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May 22, 2010
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Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

I don't think any water has gotten in the foot because of it, but I will check. Having it welded is a good idea, Thanks
 

timster

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May 22, 2010
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Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

I looked at it again yesterday, the crack is probably 4-5 inches long. Has anyone ever seen this? Is it something to be concerned about?
 

99yam40

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Sep 7, 2008
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9,127
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

post a picture if you can, a pic is worth a 1000 words.
Is it the cavitation plate that is cracked or the case itself?
 

timster

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May 22, 2010
Messages
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Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

I found a thread with this picture. Crack on my motor is a lot worse than this. you can just about see through it. I hope i don't need a new lower unit. When i get a chance I will take a picture of mine and post it.
attachment.php
 

Marion Moore

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
200
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

Very common with engine run in salt water. I purchased two that were cracked on both sides. Stop drill the crack then get it welded when you can. 4 " shouldn't be bad enough to get back into the gear area.

When you break it down to have it welded make sure you clean all of the corrosion, prime, and paint the prop shaft bearing housing where it interfaces the lower unit.
 

timster

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Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
37
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

Thanks for the input, I will definitely have it welded and I'll probably tear the foot apart to put new seals and bearing in it while i'm rebuilding the motor.
 

phwrd

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Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
294
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

I have the same cracks on my 89 DT140. Suzuki certified mechanic showed me the inside of another lower unit and at the point of this crack, shouldn't be taking in water.

Quoted me $ 1000 to have it torn apart and welded. I think i will wait it out, while continuing to keep a close eye on the oil to make sure that there is not water in it.
 

Marion Moore

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Feb 6, 2005
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Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

$1000!!! Man did I get a deal. I broke mine down (not the easiest job unless you have the right tools), did a seal and gasket job, and had a guy at work weld it for $20. You made me feel good!

You could find a used LU for MUCH less than that.
 

timster

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2010
Messages
37
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

This a pic I took of the lower unit yesterday. How bad do you think it is?? I'm pretty sure it hasn't gotten water in the lower unit oil because i would think oil would seep out of it. I am definitely getting it welded though.

Also, does anyone know which parts are different between a dt115 and a dt140. It's a 99 EFI. I want to make my motor a 140 because i have a brand new 140 computer for it. Thanks abunch!

picture.php
 

Marion Moore

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 6, 2005
Messages
200
Re: 98 DT115 foot is cracked

The crack on my LU that I am using now looks worse than yours and it is more than 3" from the gear area. If you stop drill the crack it may last forever. I'll get to having it welded one day.

As far as changing your 115 to a 140, go to Browns Point Marine and look through the parts lookup. I think there is something different other than the computer between the 115 and 140 but I don't know what it is.
 
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