We bought a Suzuki 2 some twenty years ago to replace our faithful — if heavy and messy Seagull 40 Minus. Also the recoil start was a blessing.
The engine gave absolutely no trouble for 16 years, then the cooling water stopped circulating. On stripping down ( taking off head and drive leg from the crankcase ) it was found that the waterways in the cylinder head were choked with a white deposit, also the copper tube leading water up the ‘leg’ from the pump was similarly choked solid from end to end. The deposit was easily removed from the head but the copper tube posed a problem. In the end a length from a broken drive cable from a VDO mechanical log was fitted in the chuck of a hand drill, and by turning the drill backwards (because of the direction of lay of the cable) the frayed broken end of the cable ‘drilled out’ the gunge.
On re-assembly with new head and crankcase gaskets, all proved well. However after two years the problem re occurred and as the yellow Zinc Chromate coating in the waterways had flaked off, rapid and serious corrosion was taking place, no doubt accelerated by the copper supply pipe (stainless would be better).
We decided it was time to replace, which we did with an identical model, except that there has been two changes of livery and the fitting of CD ignition in the intervening period. The old engine used to start second pull from cold and with CD the new usually fires first time.
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I discussed the corrosion problem with the main agents and they said that 20 years ago there was such a demand for the 2HP model that they contracted out the aluminium castings, and they were later found not to be up to spec. Any way, to be on the safe side, after each run in salt water I pull out the split pin take off the prop, hold the engine by the cowling with the leg in a bucket of fresh water and run it until a carburetor full of fuel has been used up. This I feel should flush out the salt or at least dilute it to such an extent that it will not cause a problem.
This is done in the cockpit of Dawn Treader and there is no difficulty starting and running just holding by the cowling as the engine is so small and smooth running.
I did wonder if this flushing was necessary now that the new engine no doubt has the correct spec. of aluminium. However Mary’s brother also bought a Suzuki 2 a couple of years ago and did not flush except at the end of season. By this autumn the cooling water failed to circulate and on stripping he found the head waterways choked but the copper tube (still copper) clear, also the Zinc chromate was still intact.
He too will now flush after each use. Whether or not this will keep all free, only time will tell— has anyone else any experience of this problem with the Suzuki 2 or the other makes of small outboards?
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