Suzuki Outboard Connecting Rods, Pistons, Driveshafts, Camshafts, and Crankshafts

Suzuki Marine Outboard Connecting Rods, Pistons, Driveshafts, Camshafts, and Crankshafts - Resources & Information

Connecting rods, pistons, driveshafts, camshafts, and crankshafts are essential to any functioning Suzuki outboard motor. When these mechanical components of your outboard begin to fail, you may experience significant performance issues or even complete engine failure. 

PartsVu is proud to offer a wide variety of these certified OEM Suzuki outboard parts to fit all models of Suzuki outboard motor to match the exact specifications of your Suzuki outboard motor. Need Suzuki OEM parts quick? We offer same-day shipping at the lowest prices you’ll find online. 

In addition to providing Suzuki Outboard Parts and Suzuki Maintenance Outboard Kits, 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 Outboard Connecting Rods, Pistons, Driveshafts, Camshafts, and Crankshafts FAQ

What is the life expectancy of my Suzuki outboard engine?

Suzuki outboard engines have a strong reputation for reliability, and for good reason. Your outboard engine life expectancy, at minimum, is about 1,500 hours (or, 6-8 years for the average boater). However, a properly maintained outboard engine can last more than 4,000 hours! This means that your engine could last for 16-21 years before needing to be replaced. 

However, depending on how you operate your Suzuki outboard (ie. commercial purposes, heavy loads, high RPM durations), your Suzuki Outboard Connecting Rods, Pistons, Driveshafts, Camshafts, and Crankshafts can degrade. Even properly maintaining your outboard with Suzuki 20-hour maintenance kits and Suzuki 100-hour maintenance kits at all scheduled intervals may still require replacement of internal engine components due to operational demands.  

How do I troubleshoot a Suzuki Outboard Motor?

It’s best to first address the simplest potential problems before getting into more complicated matters. The following quick fixes may address the reason your Suzuki outboard motor stopped working. 

• It may sound obvious, but check if there is gas in the tank. If so, is the tank vent open? A closed vent prevents air from replacing fuel as the motor pulls it out, which is necessary for firing up the engine. 
• If the kill switch isn’t properly attached it could very well be the source of your motor problems. Undo the electrical connection and put it right back into place. The kill switch may need to be replaced altogether. 
• The next point to check is your gear shift. It’s easy to knock out of place, which prevents the engine from starting. Make sure that you’re in neutral and try starting your engine once more. 
• Sometimes, the issue may simply be that your Suzuki engine propeller has something tangled around it. This may be a fishing line, excessive seaweed, or some other material that’s worked its way around the blades. Carefully remove anything that may be wrapped around the propeller, and give it a once-over for any damage that may be present. If the propeller is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Debris around the propeller is the most likely culprit if your boat motor starts, but quickly dies.
• Try to start the engine both with and without using the choke. If this doesn’t work, try altering the throttle position. Applying more or less gas can sometimes do the trick. Finally, squeeze the primer bulb a few times to make sure the engine is primed up.
• Some batteries have an on/off switch. If this is true for your battery, make sure the switch is on. Then, if your engine is under 25HP, you may be able to use the emergency cord to pull-start. It’s possible to do this with up to a 50HP engine, but be aware that the higher the HP, the more difficult this will be. If this works, the battery is likely the issue. You may need to replace it.

How do I service my Suzuki outboard lower unit? 

Suzuki lower unit gear lube is drained by removing the lower drain screw first and then the upper plug vent to allow air in. On most models, both plugs are clearly visible on the lower unit, but on models with low water pickups, the forward pickup will need to be removed to access the drain plug. 

Have a drain pan and extra rags handy as the gear lube will begin running down the skeg as soon as you remove the upper vent plug. Be sure to collect the fiber gaskets from both plugs after removal, as these are not reusable and should be discarded.

Use a properly sized screwdriver assisted by a wrench if necessary to loosen these screws which should be pretty tight. An impact driver and hammer may be needed depending on who serviced your engine last. The drain screw has a magnetic tip, so inspect the plug after removal to see if heavy deposits exist. Some fine shavings are normal, but chunks or a large quantity of metal are cause for further inspection. 

How do I troubleshoot a Suzuki Outboard Motor?

It’s best to first address the simplest potential problems before getting into more complicated matters. The following quick fixes may address the reason your Suzuki outboard motor stopped working. 

• It may sound obvious, but check if there is gas in the tank. If so, is the tank vent open? A closed vent prevents air from replacing fuel as the motor pulls it out, which is necessary for firing up the engine. 
• If the kill switch isn’t properly attached it could very well be the source of your motor problems. Undo the electrical connection and put it right back into place. The kill switch may need to be replaced altogether. 
• The next point to check is your gear shift. It’s easy to knock out of place, which prevents the engine from starting. Make sure that you’re in neutral and try starting your engine once more. 
• Sometimes, the issue may simply be that your Suzuki engine propeller has something tangled around it. This may be a fishing line, excessive seaweed, or some other material that’s worked its way around the blades. Carefully remove anything that may be wrapped around the propeller, and give it a once-over for any damage that may be present. If the propeller is damaged, it needs to be replaced. Debris around the propeller is the most likely culprit if your boat motor starts, but quickly dies.
• Try to start the engine both with and without using the choke. If this doesn’t work, try altering the throttle position. Applying more or less gas can sometimes do the trick. Finally, squeeze the primer bulb a few times to make sure the engine is primed up.
• Some batteries have an on/off switch. If this is true for your battery, make sure the switch is on. Then, if your engine is under 25HP, you may be able to use the emergency cord to pull-start. It’s possible to do this with up to a 50HP engine, but be aware that the higher the HP, the more difficult this will be. If this works, the battery is likely the issue. You may need to replace it.

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.