Suzuki problem.. lack of power

[neb]

Hi,
I recently took my RIB out to N Wales and tried to launch, once the 1985 Suzuki DT65 started up I reversed out, and took off, within a few seconds I got on the plane, but then the problems started.. as soon as I turned the power dropped off leaving me with no revs. Then the engine packed in leaving me with choppy waves whacking me silly. I struggled back inland using my 3.5 auxiliary.

I thought it might have been the fact the engine wasn't warmed up before hitting choppy water - but this weekend (like a fool) I took the damned thing out again. It took a while to start, then I left it running for a good 10 mins before whizzing off with loads of power.. once again, I turned, instantly lost the power and it didn't come back!! It would idle and revs fine on idle, as soon as I hit the forward/reverse gear I would get about 2 knots from it before it died.
An epic followed which involved my auxiliary getting trashed (hit a submerged object) then I ended up manually paddling 200m against an undertow.

The Suzuki is firing on all cylinders, has slightly oily plugs, fuel bulb is full when engine switched off.. sounds great on idle, seems to rev fine in gear on flush muffs.


Any ideas?

I read something about a valve on the forums - but I'm damned if I can find the thread.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by neb

.. as soon as I turned the power dropped off leaving me with no revs

Originally Posted by neb

.. once again, I turned, instantly lost the power and it didn't come back!!

Any ideas?

Initally though turning the engine might be trapping the fuel line but it wouldn't cut that quickly. How about water and /or muck in the filters and carbs ?

I read something about a valve on the forums - but I'm damned if I can find the thread.

try searching for "reed"

Pete

[neb]

Think I have it!

The canister filter has hairline cracks in the top, this must be letting in air. I'll fit a new one and see.

[jyasaki]

Just a quick note on troubleshooting:

Depending on your boat configuration, you can usually rule out some fuel delivery problems by throttling up while squeezing or pumping the primer bulb. This will overcome a restricted (or rather a not-too-restricted) fuel line, a weak fuel pump, or a semi-clogged filter. It will also eliminate sucking air leak between the bulb and motor, since you never go to a negative pressure status (i.e. the fuel pump is not sucking air from the line - it's being pushed into the motor.)

It *may* distinguish sucking air from before the bulb, as pumping air and pumping gas feel completely different.

Good first step if there's a mystery.

jky

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by neb

Think I have it! The canister filter has hairline cracks in the top, this must be letting in air. I'll fit a new one and see.

Cool Have a quick read of this before you replace the unit,

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...ghlight=filter

Pete

[neb]

What do you recommend on the filter?

The Tohatsu (aux) damage turned out to be a drive pin in the shaft. Cheap repair thank god!

[Jakeyboy214]

Originally Posted by neb

Think I have it!

The canister filter has hairline cracks in the top, this must be letting in air. I'll fit a new one and see.

Hey neb, long time ago this thread but was it the canister filter? I’ve got same issue and mines cracked too

[paintman]

Originally Posted by Jakeyboy214

Hey neb, long time ago this thread but was it the canister filter? I’ve got same issue and mines cracked too

According to his profile neb hasn't logged into the site since August 2007.

So probably best to get on & replace it if only to rule it out as the cause.

[D4V33]

I had the very same issue/same symptoms on 2 separate occasions.

First time I changed the spark plugs and all was sorted.

Second time it was the small rubber diaphragm inside the fuel pump had started to go brittle and the reeds in the pump weren’t closing properly. Swapped it out with a new one and ran like new again.

Both simple fixes.

[Jakeyboy214]

Thanks mate I’ve done both of your issues and taking it out Saturday, so fingers crossed 👌🏻