Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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25
my DT85 (1980's)had lost reverse few weeks ago.still had to drive it and now forward has also gone.HELP! where do i start?? comments appreciated.
 

bowhuntrrl

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Mar 26, 2003
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320
Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

You will probably need to start by locating a used lower unit !!! Have you checked the lower unit oil for metal grindings or even to see if there is any oil in there ???
 

James R

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Feb 1, 2007
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

Bowhuntrrl is right of course, but did you check to see if the clutch rod is moving up and down and that thecoupling is good.
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

New to outboards so only getting used to terms etc so please bqre with me :) when i take off cover was looking at controls adjusting on side of block.everything seems ok.i presume i need to take off lower unit? iv manual ordered so that should help also.is there any where else i can locate information on the gearing say from controlls all the way to the prop?? also was purchasing a prop but dont know wat pitch i need.any general rules on them?? thanks
 

bowhuntrrl

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Messages
320
Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

Hold off on buying a prop until you figure out where you stand on the lower unit. Did you pull the drain plug on the lower yet to check for grindings in the oil ???
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

not yet.will get to it this evening and let you know asap.cheers
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

Drained the oil.nothing much in it.there was water drained out plug hole first? then the oil? cannot get lower off.need to inspect it more.there is a cover on the clutch rod.cannot get this off?il attach pictures this evening.
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

Have lower unit droped on inch.cannot see where i need to disconnect clutch rod.is it under carbs??i cannnot attach photos so i can email if you lik.
 

bowhuntrrl

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Messages
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

Have lower unit droped on inch.cannot see where i need to disconnect clutch rod.is it under carbs??i cannnot attach photos so i can email if you lik.


There is a D shaped rubber plug on the starboard side of the lower engine cover. Pop that out and get a flash light. The bolt to disconnect the clutch rod is right behind the plug. The big trick will come when you go to put it together again !! Why are you trying to drop it ?? have you tried to disconnect the shift cable at the motor and tried to shift it by hand ?? I can't imagine that no grindings would come out if the gears were messed up enough not to shift.Maybe your problem lies in shift cable/linkage adjustment.
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

there was very very fine metal filings in the gearoil.and very little also.the oil stank and was a dark green colour? and also had water in with it.what seal would be gone for it to be contaminated with water?? also when you say about shift linkage cable adjustment etc how do i do this.what do i look for??lastly sometimes if i start the engine in barrel of water it wont pump water for 30-60 secondds.it has never done this out in the sea.just thought id mention it to see if ye have come accross anything similar. i appreciate the help.
 

bowhuntrrl

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Mar 26, 2003
Messages
320
Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

The fact that you now have forward again gives me hope that it may be a linkage problem. Since you've gone this far, considering your water pumping problem, I think you should drop the lower and replace the water pump. They need to be done every other season. Like I said in above post, the clutch rod bolt needs to come out. Go t.ho Browns Point and look at parts diagrams to see how things are arranged. You really need to order a manual so you don't break anything during disassembly. That $35 you spend will save money in the long run. It's kind of tight working below and behind the carbs, but it can be done. I bought one of those LED lights with a flexible neck to do mine, makes it easier to see what's going on. Pulling the carbs also makes it very easy to see, but then you will need new gaskets.
 

dennyirl

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May 5, 2008
Messages
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Re: Suzuki DT85 No Gears!!

cheers.bought a manual.Clymer Workshop Manual? its ok.is there ment to be water in with gearbox oil? and if not what seal would be gone.having lower end off is there any way that i can flush the water pipe from impeller up?as in the coarse the water takes around the engine. do the thermostats have anyting to do with the way or when it starts to pump water?if you send me your email adress il send you pictures so u can see condition.cheers
 
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