Mr. Fish what was wrong with the Sea Lion?

jet · 01-02-2003, 10:27 AM

I guess the topic says it all. I read that you had motor problems. Just wondering what it is or was. I hate to see a guy so excited about a new/used boat to have a problem.

Jet~~~

Mr. Fisherman · 01-02-2003, 10:47 AM

If I knew that it wouldn't have a problem....

It fell off step on my maiden voyage about 8 to 10 miles on the return (est 14 to 15 mile RT). It just seemed to loose power, I shut it down. I checked the prop, nothing. I started the motor, it idled fine but when I put it into gear and tried to get it on plane again it had the same issue. I shut it down and fired up the kicker. It sure was nice to have a 4 stroke kicker with an ez steer. I was able to steer from inside the cockpit with the door closed.
Since then I checked the fuel water seperator, nothing but good fresh gas. I checked the spark plugs, they were just fine although I discovered they were one range too hot and removed them and replaced them as per the Suzuki dealers recomendation. I checked the lower unit for metal that would have indicated a lower unit issue. No metal but it was a little low. I topped it off. I checked the compression, all cylinders were good and even. I bought the shop manual and will figure it out. THere is a good stream of water from the pump so I don't think anything is blocking it. I may have a bad thermostat sensor, thermostat or fuel pump diphram or plugged jets or who knows. I'll find it and this is a welcome opportunity to get to know the boat better. Nothing wrong with that. I love this boat and the way it handles. It is going to be great being able to enjoy it in all seasons. I sure am looking forward to a little boaterhoming and those nights before Halibut season. Thanks for the concern...

01-02-2003, 12:35 PM

Fuel line, pump or filter?

kenai · 01-02-2003, 12:46 PM

I had a similar problem, would idle fine at the dock and I could bring the rpms up fine. It turned out to be a ball check valve in the fuel line, right off the tank. Check valve would stick at a certain trim angle for the boat. Valve is supposed to keep the carb from losing its prime.

sharkbait · 01-02-2003, 12:51 PM

Does it surge as well or does it just die? If it surges that might be a fuel pump problem. Or it could be the float ball in the carbs?
You got me?

I would have to be on the boat to find out.
:whazzup: :whazzup:

Clarity · 01-02-2003, 09:12 PM

Try replacing your in-line primer bulb. I had the same problem on the Columbia once and it turned out that the check valve in my primer bulb had gone bad and that created too much back pressure from my engine to the tank. It would idle fine, but starve if I put it into gear. It's a cheap way to start, anyway!

Orca · 01-02-2003, 09:21 PM

I'm with Kenai and Diamondside. Had this same thing happen before!

Mr. Fisherman · 01-02-2003, 09:57 PM

Hmmm... That's interesting guys. I plan on purging and cleaning all the lines and dropping the carb bowls and cleaning them. Maybe something got caught in the backflow preventer... Makes sense.
Updates will follow. ANyone have an air compressor I can borrow?

Fishplay · 01-02-2003, 10:38 PM

I do but I'm a long ways from you. I too have had the primer bulb go bad before. Using a nail or something release the presure inside the bulb then shake it. If it rattles replace it. Before you go to the trouble of cleaning the entire fuel delivery system of your boat I would borrow a portable tank with fuel line and bulb and make a test run. This could also be an ignition problem. I have seen stators fail (and coils) only when temp is up. You may want to launch again and see if it performs better again now that it's cooled down.
Like you said though ...it doesn't sound like anything major. Just a matter of troubleshooting giving you the oppertunity to become familliar with your new ride.
Good Luck Ray!

jet · 01-02-2003, 11:24 PM

To all the 2- srtoke wrench heads, Ray needs help.... ideas?

I might guess a bad coil. It runs but when you put the power to it is just poops out, right. Does it die at that time?

Jet~~~

Slow Roll · 01-03-2003, 07:37 AM

Mr. F,
I have a compressor if you need to borrow it. Not a big one, 5 gal. but it should do the trick. Shoot me an email if you would like to use it.

Paul B.

Labsforme · 01-03-2003, 07:51 AM

Mr F were and lights on the panel on.I have a DT85 Suzuki and on the CR fall fishing went out
no problems but coming in rev light came on,water temp light on too.Plenty of water coming out.Limited to under 2500 RPM.Found out just a bad water flow sensor.Lots of electronics on Suzukis that need to be checked.In the manual toward the back it gives a list of things to check when different lights come on(not a good thing :depressed: )

Stabiman · 01-03-2003, 01:35 PM

Ray,

I experienced a similar problem with my Suzuki 85 a couple years ago. I have an inline Racor filter with drain bowl and it looked fine... nothing in the bowl. So I went looking elsewhere (many mentioned here already), only to finally come back and put on a new filter... problem solved!!

Cheers

jet · 01-03-2003, 01:42 PM

Ray

You now have a few places to start looking. I also have Air if you need it.

Jet~~

Miss B Haven · 01-04-2003, 08:42 AM

If you can't make the r's I'd look to fuel/filter problem. Last time I plugged a filter the boat ran fine but just wouldn't go above a certain rpm. THis is esp. likely if the boat has sat for sale for a while (moisture in tank, suddenly you take it out and shake it up a little).
One thing that really got me one time was the boat ran fine at low speed, but at power the motor would rev and the boat fell off plane (happened as I was going through some small swell). Drove me crazy for a while. Finally figured out the prop had spun on the hub. The rubber would grip at lower power but spin at the upper end.

[ 01-04-2003, 09:43 AM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

Pilar · 01-04-2003, 12:36 PM

Ray, I have to second the spare gas tank idea. Good suggestion Fishplay, cut the problem in half. If it won't run with the spare tank and new, carefully mixed fuel, then you have something on the engine to deal with. If it runs good on the spare tank then it's in the tank, filters or hoses.

Getting the book is the first step. I feel confident in my rig because I know every nut and bolt upside down and backwards. After you get through this green boat stuff, you'll feel the force too.

Good luck Ray and give me a call ......

Tilla · 01-07-2003, 09:06 PM

Feul line, start from the suction end, contamination, piece of tape. I'm with Keta and Diamondside. Got rid of a bad bulb last summer.