I’m in the early stages of my research for my new boat purchase. I have my heart set on a Yamaha 4 stroke. However, I see a lot of boats that are being re-powered with the Suzuki 4 stroke engines (particularly the 140 HP model). I’ve heard mixed opinions and hoping I can use this forum to give me lower level of fidelity on the reliability and up keep on this particular engine make/model. If anyone has opinions to share it’s appreciated.
Mine has been nothing but reliable. I change the oil, lower unit oil, and fuel water separator every year and then change spark plugs every other year. When I turn the key, it cranks.
I have heard more than a few people have had issues with corrosion on 08 an below models, but I haven’t had any on mine. I run it about 50/50 saltwater/freshwater, so that surely helps. Keep it flushed well and they are super reliable.
The 140 is also a little over rated on hp. I wish mine was a 150. Some times it doesn’t have quite the jump I’d want with a full load of fuel and 4 or 5 people on board, but that’s to be expected.
'06 Mckee Craft
184 Marathon
DF140 Suzuki
Had a 2008 DF140 on my last boat. Ran great, no real problems. Had a fuel vapor lock issue which was fixed by running non ethanol fuel when it was more than 80 degrees outside.
The DF140 sips gas and likes to be run in the upper range. Mine had a sweet spot just under 6000rpm (max rpm 6200) and that’s where I ran it for 400+ hours before selling the boat.
I would definitely buy another Zuke. Maintenance is easy and can be done at home by one person.
Some will say it’s a weak engine, not true. It’s rated at 140hp and just like all other outboards must meet fed regs. I believe it shares it’s block with the DF115, tuned up to 140hp. I think people are afraid to run above 6000rpm so they feel like the motor is weak. 6000 and up is where it sings.
If you are buying used, avoid anything older than 2008. Around 2007 models had engine holder corrosion problems related to a steel plug.
Mechanically just as good as Yamaha if you take care of it. Flush it when your done each time.
Suzuki warranty shine over Yamaha, everything is covered with no hackleing with the dealer. Yamaha is getting sticky with thier dealers over warranty payments.
Suzuki 250HP gonna be on the back of my Sea Chaser 24HFC and I was once a Yamaha mechanic.
Fishing the beaches, Bays & Ocean of Wildwood/Cape May, NJ
Soon a resident of Georgetown, SC
FRIG
THE SUZUKI 140 ONLY PRODUCES 128HP ON A DYNO, WHICH FALLS WITHIN THE 10% OF STATED VALUE
THE YAMAHA 150 PRODUCES 162
ERIC
WE HAVENT DEALT WITH SUZUKI WARRANTY IN ABOUT 5 YEARS, BUT WHEN WE WERE DEALING WITH THEM, THEY WERE WORSE THAN TERRIBLE.
WE DEAL WITH YAMAHA ON A DAILY BASIS, AND THE ONLY THINGS YAMAHA WILL NOT COVER IS DIRTY FUEL, AND WEAR ITEMS LIKE WATERPUMPS AND FILTERS.
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING