Suzuki Fuel Filters

Suzuki Marine Engine Fuel Filters - Resources & Information

PartsVu’s full line of Suzuki outboard fuel filter replacements extend your Suzuki outboard engine’s life and enhance performance. Genuine OEM Suzuki Fuel Filters on outboard engines keep harmful particles out of the entire fuel system while enabling marine fuel to flow freely. When they begin to fail, there may be reduced fuel flow that leads to a “bogged-down” performance that will spoil your day out on the water (Read Suzuki Outboard Running Rough, Won’t Start, or Stopped Running to learn more).

Choose from a complete selection of Suzuki outboard fuel filters to match your engine’s exact specifications. And if you’re performing a Suzuki fuel filter change in addition to other maintenance, be sure to pick up our preassembled Suzuki Outboard Maintenance Kits, which include oil filters, spark plugs, water pump kits, and everything else you need to keep your Suzuki 2-stroke outboard, Suzuki 4-stroke outboard, and other models in service!

In addition to plenty of Suzuki outboard parts, PartsVu is also proud to help boaters by providing helpful resources for Suzuki outboard motors:

• Suzuki Outboard Engine Oil Capacities & Oil Filter Chart
• Suzuki Outboard Engine Gear Lube Capacity Chart
• Suzuki Outboard 100-Hour Service Checklist
• Suzuki Outboard Season Breakout Guide

Suzuki Fuel Filters FAQ

How do I service my Suzuki 4-stroke outboard fuel system? 

Depending on your application and style of boat, your Suzuki fuel system may include a fuel-water separating filter. If you have not seen one, follow the routing of your fuel hose from the engine rigging tube backward through the boat. These vary in shape and manufacturer, so be sure to order the identical replacement size for the best fit. Verado owners may not have an inline filter as the engine has a water separator under the cowling.

Use a filter wrench to loosen the existing filter element and use caution when removing it as it will be filled with gasoline. A clear plastic or glass container is helpful to dump the filter and examine the contents. A small amount of debris is common, as is a small amount of water after the fuel has had a moment to settle. More significant amounts of water would warrant further investigation.

If your filter’s mounting location allows it, pre-fill the replacement filter with some gasoline to make re-priming the fuel system easier. It is also advisable to use a small amount of grease or engine oil to lubricate the o-ring before installation. Spin on and hand tighten only about a half turn to snug.

Move back to the engine and locate the filter element(s) on the engine. The scope of this service will only include the low-pressure fuel filter and fuel water separator if applicable by model. Suzuki recommends that owners do not service their high-pressure fuel filters. Depending on your engine model, the water separator filter (or castle filter) may be removed by using a wrench, standard tools, and a little caution. Unplug the water-in-fuel sensor if applicable and spin the cap off of the housing. Replace the filter element with a fresh one, lube the o-ring with grease or oil, and carefully reinstall the cap.

For most other models, the low-pressure fuel filter is inline where the fuel supply line passes down the side of the cowling. On applicable models, locate the Schrader valve on the fuel system. Cover the valve with a rag or towel and depress the valve stem to vent the pressure from the system before service. With the pressure vented, remove the inline filter and replace it with a new one paying particular attention to locate the clamps or zip ties securing the hoses to the filter.

Locate your engine’s primer bulb if applicable and use the primer to pump up the fuel system. You should feel and hear gasoline entering and filling the filter cup. Check for leaks and prime until the bulb becomes firm.

If you are not already regularly running Suzuki ECSTAR Fuel Injector Cleaner (for fuel-injected engines) or Suzuki ECSTAR Fuel Conditioner & Water Remover through your Suzuki fuel system, the 100-hour service interval is an excellent time for a “shock treatment” with Suzuki fuel additives.

Suzuki ECSTAR Fuel Injector Cleaner is a fuel system cleaner and top-lube that will help to clean deposits from the tank, lines, carburetors, injectors, and pumps. It breaks up fuel system varnish and will help to prevent gumming.

Suzuki ECSTAR Fuel Conditioner & Water Remover is a fuel system conditioner that also helps to remove carbon deposits. It prevents phase separation that draws water into the engine, while also removing any moisture in the fuel system to prevent corrosion. 

Why is my Suzuki outboard fuel system important?

The Suzuki fuel system is composed of the fuel pump, fuel filter, check valves, fuel hoses, fuel pump diaphragm, and injectors. Listen for the operation sound. If you can’t hear the system attempting to work, check for continuity between the fuse holder, fuse, fuel pump relay, and wiring harness. Repair or replace the defective part(s) if there is no continuity. If there is continuity, replace the electric fuel pump. If you hear the operation sound, check each part of the fuel system individually. 

First, inspect the Suzuki fuel filters and look for clogs, cracks, kinks, or leaks in the hoses. Replace any parts with damage. Next, check the diaphragm for cracks or other signs of damage. Then, check the vapor separator needle valve for bends or signs of wear. The next step is to check the injectors for clogs and resistance. Then, check for poor connections.

Finally, note if there is any water in the fuel. Ethanol gasoline attracts water, which negatively impacts the combustibility of the fuel. This is especially likely if you haven’t used fuel additives or stabilizers. Water in the fuel may also cause a bad or failing fuel pump. If you find water in your fuel, you may want to check that the pump is in good condition. 

You can perform a Suzuki outboard fuel pump test by removing the spark plug wire boot from the Suzuki spark plug and then removing the spark plug with a plug socket and wrench. Attach a compression gauge into the spark plug socket. If you have an electric motor, you may need a second person to crank your engine over while you twist your throttle position open. Otherwise, you can push the throttle open with one hand and pull the rope start.

Why won’t my Suzuki outboard start?

If your Suzuki outboard doesn’t start, you’ll need to start from the most obvious causes, then move to more complicated possibilities. Here’s a run-down:

• Make sure that the kill cord is attached.
• Because your Suzuki outboard won’t start in gear, ensure the engine is in neutral.
• Inadequate fuel supply is a common issue, either from pinched hoses or a lack of fuel in the gas tank(s).
• Make sure that there’s no water in the fuel lines. Perform a visual inspection in the water separator bowl for traces of water.
• Look for fouled spark plugs (more common in small engines). If any fouled plugs are discovered, replace them with new spark plugs.
• Test your battery to ensure that it has adequate voltage. If it is underperforming or dead, consider replacing the battery and checking for any shorts that may be draining it.

For more info on troubleshooting your Suzuki outboard engine, be sure to read our blog “Suzuki Outboard Running Rough, Won’t Start, or Stopped Running” for a complete run-down of the most common issues you’ll face.

How do I perform a 100-hour service on my Suzuki outboard engine?

To ensure proper engine function, it’s always best to service your Suzuki outboard engine every 100 hours after the initial break-in period (first 10 hours) and after the first maintenance interval (at 20 hours). 

The following is a Suzuki outboard 100-hour service checklist to help you service your engine properly:

If you want a more in-depth explanation of how to perform a 100-hour service on a Suzuki outboard engine, read our blog “Suzuki Outboard 100-Hour Service Checklist”. 

To make engine maintenance even easier, PartsVu has a wide selection of Suzuki outboard engine 100-hour service kits available. They’re pre-assembled with everything you need to keep your boat happy and healthy every 100 hours.

What are common Suzuki outboard engine fuel system issues?

One of the most common ways your Suzuki outboard motor will break down is a fuel system failure. Whether you’re experiencing an intermittent bog down, poor performance, or complete engine failure, your fuel system is a common culprit.

• Ethanol gasoline: Only use premium low-ethanol gasoline for your Suzuki outboard motor. The reason is that ethanol attracts water, causing fuel to dilute through “phase separation.” Additionally, ethanol gasoline can also gunk up fuel lines and fuel system components due to additives used. To help prevent these issues, regularly use a high-quality fuel stabilizer.
• Fuel lines: Check your fuel lines. If you discover any breaks or leaks, you should stop using the engine and make any necessary replacements. Also, take a look at any fuel hoses with an interior liner.
• Fuel filters: The Suzuki fuel filter is designed to catch any debris and contaminants that have entered your fuel system. Regularly replace your fuel filters to keep fuel running freely.
• Fuel pump: A malfunctioning Suzuki fuel pump can significantly reduce engine performance and, over time, severely damage other components. If your Suzuki primary fuel pump is not working correctly, replace it and any hoses that may have been affected.