Suzuki DT65

[tinkerr]

I'm considering purchasing a 1989 DT65. I've been reading the forum and these motors seem to be electronically sophisticated. The motor has been sitting for 2yrs and complete with controls and a SS prop. Parts are mostly dealer only. Any opinion? Am I looking at a headache, pig in a poke, problem child???? Thanks

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Suzuki DT65

They are decent motors ..... just test the compression to make sure they are the same over all 3 cyl .....

 

[Big_worm81]

Re: Suzuki DT65

... And if you buy it and decide to change the water pump, make sure the shift linkage is disconnected before you drop the lower unit. Don't play with the shift linkage if the lower unit is off the motor. If you pull too hard on the shift linkage (due to snag or messing about with shift rod) it can lift up too high and it can dislodge the shift cam in the lower unit, spring loaded parts will move and then the lower unit requires complete disassembly to put things right . .. Ask me how I know.

 

[tinkerr]

Re: Suzuki DT65

... And if you buy it and decide to change the water pump, make sure the shift linkage is disconnected before you drop the lower unit. Don't play with the shift linkage if the lower unit is off the motor. If you pull too hard on the shift linkage (due to snag or messing about with shift rod) it can lift up too high and it can dislodge the shift cam in the lower unit, spring loaded parts will move and then the lower unit requires complete disassembly to put things right . .. Ask me how I know.

I read your thread, that was quite a challenge you under took. I didn't read about the final outcome is it up and running?The electronics, parts availability and the fact the owner has already removed the lower has me rethinking making the purchase. I'm thinking around $300, but even at that it may cost another $500 to get it up and running. The motor is a 1989, what a 1989 65hp worth, even if its up and running, its still 25yrs old and getting older.

 

[Big_worm81]

Re: Suzuki DT65

I read your thread, that was quite a challenge you under took. I didn't read about the final outcome is it up and running?The electronics, parts availability and the fact the owner has already removed the lower has me rethinking making the purchase. I'm thinking around $300, but even at that it may cost another $500 to get it up and running. The motor is a 1989, what a 1989 65hp worth, even if its up and running, its still 25yrs old and getting older.

It is not up and running yet, need to have a few broken bolts drilled out and clean everything up.

When I bought my rigid hull inflatable boat with this motor I asked myself "what is it actually worth?"

To help answer that question, I priced out a 4.2m RHIB with a 60 HP motor (of my choice) and controls. Scary realization is that just the motor and controls was $10,000 including tax ... And that's not including installation.

Buying a boat fully kitted out was approaching the $40,000 mark. I don't know why RHIBS are that pricey but they are.

I got my current rig for less than 10% of that figure, so even if I throw $2,000 at it, I'm still way ahead of the game in my opinion.

Look at replacement cost to determine what it is worth to you. Suzuki still has all the parts for these motors.