Suzuki Outboard Engine Shut Down While Underway

C-Nile · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

Bob -- I tried the lever, wiggled everything you can think of, but did not disconnect the power. You are right: with these modern computer control modules, they can get locked up. That might have worked! And I should have realized this, because I deal with this sort of thing all the time in my line of work. As for a kicker, it is being installed this week -- particularly it will be valuable in situations where SeaTow is inaccessible.

Warren, Chris -- I am looking in iboats and have not found anything yet, but shall persist

Bill -- this is electrical, no question about it.

Actually, I think Suzuki makes a great engine, however, my wife and I are rattled not knowing when, where or if the engine will ever die on us again. However, we are looking at this positively now. Anyone with a single engine, regardless of how old it is, or who manufactures it, is at risk every time they take their boat out. They could spin a prop, get tangled in fishing line -- anything. My wife and I will be prepared next time. And one quick comment about anchor line -- I had a perfectly fine anchor with only 100 feet of line. This was foolish. My boat quit in the middle of a deep channel, and we actually needed another 180 feet to achieve a 7-to-1 ratio. An anchor is the best safety equipment one can have, and I won't make that mistake again.

Thanks everyone,

Rich

cemiii · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

In iboats.com it is best to join up and ask your specific question. The search feature returns too many non pertinent threads (just like another boating forum I know). Someone will almost always try to answer within a few hours.The moderators are usually pretty savvy with the brand but I do think they generally tend to be more experienced with older models. But it sounds like maybe you've found your problem.

chris

C-Nile · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject:

All,

Our dealer finally got to the bottom of the problem with our Suzuki engine: there was a manufacturing defect in the wiring harness in which a gray wire was not properly seated in its connector. This was a very difficult problem to find, because it was so intermittent. The engine would shut down at full throttle, and would not restart. There was no power to starter, but the power trim/tilt motor and gauges were powered. Eventually, the problem would clear, run for several miles, then fail again. Only in the last two weeks did it fail to a point where the problem could be successfully diagnosed. It was a devil of a problem to find, and it sure looked like the engine kill switch at first. What made it eventually fail was the consistent use of power trim/tilt motor, which caused flexure of the wires and an eventually hard failure of the connector. We've run the motor for approximately 10 hours since it has been fixed, and we've had no problems. The engine is running like a top!

Rich

YACD · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:53 am Post subject:

Wefings · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:29 am Post subject:

Just an educated guess............
Marc

C-Nile · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

Marc of Wefings -- I should of listened to you from the beginning. Both the dealer and I thought is was the kill switch or possibly the neutral safety switch. Next time, if there is a next time, I will pay much closer attention to you, because you obviously have a lot of experienced with these sort of failures.

Thanks!

Rich

Wefings · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject:

They will drive you batty . Im glad you are back up and running , Im sure your dealer will look at that if it pops up on another motor .
Marc

mdoug · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:48 pm Post subject:

This fall of 2010 my 90hp Suzuki started normally, then ran rough. I shut it down, and it wouldn't restart on several tries. When it did start, I smelled strong odor of gas. Made it to my marina, where mechanic diagnosed "blown fuel line" inside cowl. Could that have been caused by a faulty harness install, engine vibration or what?

BrentB · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 1:38 pm Post subject:

I suspect the fuel hose was faulty due poor materials, age, construction or if the gas contains alcohol and fuel line was not rated for alcohol, the fuel line broke out from the inside.

matt_unique · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject: Fuel line

The Suzuki manual suggests replacing the fuel line every 2 years. I keep an eye on mine, specifically the portion in the direct sunlight.

I'm glad to hear there was no other damage or fire.

I see you are not too far from my neck of the woods.

mdoug · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:03 am Post subject:

Many thanks, Fellows! I'm sure that the fuel line should have been checked and replaced.

Does ethanol in today's fuel cause deterioration of fuel lines?

Cap'n Matt, we're on Winnipesaukee. Love our C-Dory!

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 8:53 am Post subject:

Lots of info on the 'net about this subject. According to one source:

"Periodically inspect/replace fuel lines.
Again, solvents are the culprits. They compromise the integrity of fuel lines, restricting flow, and they decompose fuel tank pickup tubes, leading to loss of fuel supply to the engine. New fuel lines resistant to deterioration are available from Mercury Marine, marked “USCG Type B1-15-SAE J1527 EPA Compliant.” The line is gray to resist damage from sunlight. A good rule of thumb: If a fuel line leaves residue on your hands, change the line."

The "solvents" in this case are those contained in the ethanol fuel.

Charlie

BrentB · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 2:01 pm Post subject: