Suzuki Outboard Keys & Key Switches

Suzuki Marine Keys & Key Switches - Resources & Information

PartsVu offers Suzuki Outboard Keys & Key Switches for all Suzuki Engine models and years. Plus, we offer Suzuki ignition switches, Suzuki keychains and lanyards, and everything else you need to reliable start and stop your Suzuki outboard motor.

In addition to offering Suzuki Outboard Keys & Key Switches, 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 Keys & Key Switches FAQ

What should I know about Suzuki Outboard Keys & Key Switches?

Here’s some info you need to know about Suzuki Outboard Keys & Key Switches:

• It’s not uncommon to break off your Suzuki key inside your Suzuki outboard ignition switch. Having some common tools on board your boat, such as pliers, can mean the difference between a minor setback or getting stuck out on the water and having to call a SeaTow.
• Be sure to get a few Suzuki outboard key replacements, as it’s easy to misplace your keys when winterizing and storing your boat. Have at least two (2) boat keys made and place them in a safe place (such as your wallet, onboard in a hidden location, or in a safe-deposit box at your home). 
• Check for corrosion and wear on your Suzuki boat key. Even tiny bits of metal can cause damage to your boat key ignition, which is significantly more time-consuming and expensive to repair than just swapping out new keys from time to time. 

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 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 ignition 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

How do I manually start an electric start outboard engine? 

If the engine is under 25HP, you shouldn’t have too much trouble removing the cowl cover and using the emergency cord to pull-start. This is generally possible for engines up to 50HP, but it will be increasingly difficult the higher the horsepower. To do this:

1. Ensure that the key is in the on position and that the shift is in neutral 
2. If you’re using a rope, tie a knot so that the rope can be secured in the notch in the flywheel
3. Wrap the rope around the flywheel in the correct direction for your engine, which is most likely clockwise
4. Pull repeatedly until the engine starts
5. Put the cowling back on once the flywheel stops spinning

If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to go through a more thorough troubleshooting process. 

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:

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.

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.