Suzuki Outboard Engine Manuals FAQ
How do I troubleshoot my 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Will doing maintenance void my Suzuki outboard engine warranty?
Any warranty work done on your engine needs to be done by an authorized Suzuki dealer. Your dealer will perform the work on your engine and file the claim with Suzuki for you.
Your warranty does not apply to damage or failures caused by use of an accessory or part not manufactured or sold by Suzuki. See the appropriate Suzuki warranty policy for your product in your Suzuki Owners Manual. In other words, if you modify your engine with non-Suzuki parts and those parts cause damage, you will likely have a problem.
Fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol are considered acceptable for use in Suzuki engines. Fuels containing higher levels of ethanol are not considered acceptable for use, and can void the warranty.
Using the serial number of your engine, your local authorized Suzuki dealer can quickly check your warranty coverage. They can verify that your engine is registered with Suzuki, whether it is covered by Suzuki’s standard factory warranty, if there is any additional promotional coverage, or if it is covered by a Suzuki Product Protection plan.
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 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:
| Service Item | Action Needed |
| Grease Fittings | Lubricate |
| Engine Oil | Replace |
| Suzuki Oil Filter | Replace |
| Anodes | Inspect, replace as needed |
| Battery | Inspect |
| Power Trim and Tilt Fluid | Inspect |
| Connectors and Spray with Silicone Spray | Inspect & spray |
| Shift and Throttle Cable Linkages | Inspect |
| Retorque Bolts, Nuts, and Fasteners | Inspect |
| Engine Mounts and Steering Brackets | Inspect |
| Spark Plugs | Inspect, change as needed |
| Gearcase Oil | Replace |
| Inspect Fuel Lines | Inspect, replace as needed |
| Fuel-Water Separator | Replace |
| Fuel Stabilizer | Add before storing or when filling tank |
| Mounting Bolts | Inspect |
| Propeller and Skeg | Inspect |
| Cowling | Inspect |
| Telltale Hole for Water Flow | Inspect |
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”. Also, be sure to refer to your Suzuki Outboard Service Manual for which parts you’ll need, how to perform basic repairs, and other engine specific tasks.
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.
