Suzuki Outboard Charging & Electrical Components

Suzuki Outboard Electrical Components - Resources & Information

PartsVu is happy to stock a wide selection of certified OEM Suzuki Outboard Charging &  Electrical Components to fit the exact specifications of your Suzuki outboard motor. The charging system of any Suzuki outboard has three main components: the alternator, the voltage regulator, and the batteries - any issue affecting each of these components can range from poor performance, a dead motor, and - in extreme cases - even electrocution. Therefore, properly maintaining these components is crucial to keeping your Suzuki outboard functioning properly and safely. 

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

Looking for more components and products to service your Suzuki outboard engine? Feel free to shop our complete selection of Suzuki Outboard Parts. 

Suzuki Outboard Charging & Electrical Components FAQ

How does my Suzuki outboard engine’s electrical system affect my engine performance?

Your Suzuki outboard electrical system may be responsible for your boat not starting or experiencing intermittent performance issues.

To troubleshoot this issue, start by testing each part of the electrical system:

• First, make sure your kill switch is firmly attached.
• Next, for electric-starting models, you’ll want to check the main fuse to confirm it’s not blown. If you find that the connection at the center of the fuse is broken, you will need to replace it with one of the same amperages.
• After verifying the fuse, check the battery. Safely disconnect the negative cable followed by the positive cable before removing the battery from its housing. With a wire-bristle brush, carefully scrape away any corrosion on the battery terminals. If the battery is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. If it is in good condition and shows no signs of damage, you can proceed to charge it. When it’s completely charged, reinstall the battery and cables (positive cable first, then negative). 
• Now that you have a working battery, the electrical system may be hampered by bad spark plugs. Carefully remove them with a spark plug wrench so you can inspect them. If you see signs of damage such as cracks, burns, fouling, or corrosion, replace them with the type of spark plug specified in your Suzuki owner’s manual – as well as the Suzuki spark plug wires.

Do I need to swap out my Suzuki trim and tilt switch?

Contrasting with the internal engine problems we’ve covered so far, Suzuki trim and tilt problems are external. Suzuki trim and tilt involve how well your boat is propelled through the water by the angle of the propeller shaft relative to the boat. A faulty trim and tilt switch can prevent you from the fine-tuning (trim) and dramatic changes (tilt) needed for optimal performance of your Suzuki outboard, including:

• Poor gas efficiency due to friction/drag of the water
• Lower RPMs, acceleration, and overall top speed
• Less accurate control during operation
• Inability to raise the motor for storage, servicing, and/or removal

Luckily, you can avoid these problems by swapping out the trim and tilt switch as needed. However, keep in mind that a faulty Suzuki trim and tilt switch can be a sign of some other issues, such as low battery, electrical shorts, malfunctioning hydraulic motors, and more.

How do I start my Suzuki outboard engine? 

Suzuki makes a 2-stroke outboard engines and 4-stroke outboard engines. The 4-stroke engines have risen in popularity due to their reduced noise, fuel efficiency, and greater longevity. Because they’ve grown in popularity in recent years, most of them tend to be newer. Typically, electric start outboard engines are as easy to start as tilting them down and turning the key. 

In contrast, a carbureted 2-stroke may not be as simple to start.

1. First, tilt the engine so that the fuel can more easily reach the carburetor
2. Prime the bulb until it’s too hard to squeeze
3. While in neutral, advance the throttle to â…”
4. Turn the key, push to choke and crank
5. Release the choke and return to neutral

Why did my Suzuki outboard motor stop working?

Your Suzuki outboard ignition system is responsible for firing up the engine and keeping it running. Because checking this system may involve sparks and heat, keep flammable liquids away. 

The first part of the ignition system to check is the spark plugs. Clean and adjust the spark plugs– they may need to be replaced. Check the ignition spark with a spark gap tester. If you’ve got a good spark, make sure that the air gap is within specification. Adjust it if needed. 

If you have a good spark and the gap is within specification, the problem will likely not be found in the ignition system.

However, if you don’t have a good spark, salt buildup on the spark plug caps or ignition coil leads could be causing problems. You’ll also need to check both the spark plug caps and ignition coil leads for proper resistance. Replace degraded parts. When there is no salt buildup and both parts have proper resistance, check the ECM output peak voltage.

If your spark plugs don’t seem to be the issue, check that the electric oil pump and oil level sensor are in good condition. If so, check the reed valve for its condition.

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.

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.