Suzuki 115-4 (died while running)

[llessur2]

Got what I think is an' 05 or 06 suzuki 115 4 stroke. After cruising for roughly an hour and scoping out some fish spots, the motor died on the way back. Was running fine the entire trip until I headed back, and sure enough she died while running. Went to crank and nothing. Got towed back, checked battery (fine), checked fuses in the fuse box (looked ok). Just find it weird for it to be running fine, and then just nothing. Read about problems with the fuel line on hot days (or something along those lines), but don't think that is it. Maybe alternator? Maybe the kill switch? Almost sure I didn't hit it, but i'll have to double check. Maybe electrical? If anyone has had anything similar to this happen just curious to know what happened? Thanks.
Motor has relatively low hrs, 250ish and is on a dlx skiff.

[jaws]

Check out http://www.suzukioutboardforum.com helped me diagnose fuel pump on A 03 DF115 some professional mechanics on there and don't hesitate to help.

[gottaflylee]

When you say you went to crank it and got nothing, did it turn over? If not, there is a fuse under the hood that may have blown.

[billschwabe]

We need a lot more info to even begin to steer you in the right direction. As Lee said, there are fuses under the hood and also a main one in the factory Suzuki harness that has a fuse that energizes the whole shebang (the engine computer and starter solenoid). Usually riggers will have this close to the battery if the battery is in an aft box. It's a small yellow ATC holder and even has a spare inside! If the battery is in the console, it can also be located there. If everything went dark, no gauge, beeper or starter, it's the first place to check. My '05 DF115 did the exact same thing last fall. Corroded connections on the fuse caused extra resistance and blew the fuse.

[llessur2]

Thanks for the replies. The motor does not want to turn over at all. First click and all the gauges come on, it beeps like its priming the motor. Then go to crank it and nothing. I could hear a faint clicking coming from the motor but that was it. I'm pretty certain I checked the fuse that is in the wiring harness and it appeared to be fine. I checked the fuse box that is located under the cowl, and the two fuses I saw there appeared to be fine also. So all the electronics still work, just motor doesn't crank. I'm thinking (or hoping should i say) that the kill switch just got knocked out and I didn't even think to look at it. And I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but not a certified mechanic by any means.
I too read something about fuel pumps, but also read it happened while running the boat during hot temperatures (just what I read). This boat has been run during the summer for 6-7 years and has been rock solid.
What gets me worse is that the day before it died, i went and cleaned, and waxed the hull and the inside. Next day she dies. That's a boat for ya.

thanks again for any further incite.

[billschwabe]

If you're getting juice to the electronics and it's "solid" and doesn't drop when the starter tries to engage, the kill switch would be one of the first things to check. If you have a voltmeter, try measuring for 12v at the two main starter connections inside the cowling (larger 2 gauge wires). Have someone try and start while you are reading it. If it stays 12V or above, measure the smaller wire on the starter (solenoid). When they hit the start, it too should read 12V. If it does, and it isn't turning over, you are looking at a very expensive starter unfortunately.
Good luck!
Bill

[llessur2]

Thanks for the reply Bill. Boat is kept in storage so I'm going to go check it out today or tomorrow when I get a chance. I do have a voltmeter and will try what you have suggested. Thanks you for your input. Not sure I even want to ask how much the starter cost. I've got a buddy that runs a marina up your way so hopefully If need be he can get me the part a little cheaper.

Good luck to all who go out this weekend...

[gottaflylee]

llessur2, I thought about the Stater also but figures I would tell you to start at the bottom first. I think the stater is a little over $200.00, best of luck!!!

[llessur2]

Thanks everyone for the input and help. I feel pretty bad not to have checked the kill switch, but that is what it ended up being. I guess that is a hell of a lot better than a starter. The life jacket for the dog we keep attached to the center console must have flown back and slapped the clip off. Well you live and you learn, and best believe that will be the first thing checked next time. Long live Suzuki's.........

[gottaflylee]

Thanks everyone for the input and help. I feel pretty bad not to have checked the kill switch, but that is what it ended up being. I guess that is a hell of a lot better than a starter. The life jacket for the dog we keep attached to the center console must have flown back and slapped the clip off. Well you live and you learn, and best believe that will be the first thing checked next time. Long live Suzuki's.........

Thank goodness that was all it was. i see people at the ramp crank on their motors and they don't hit on anything. I get them to check the kill switch and 9 times out of 10 it fires right up, your not alone...