Suzuki Outboard Maintenance Kits FAQ
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 |
| Engine 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”.
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.
How do you perform a Suzuki outboard leak-down test?
An outboard leak down test is a simple diagnostic checkup for your Suzuki outboard – and should be incorporated into your regular maintenance intervals for peace of mind.
A Suzuki outboard leak down test indicates the condition of each of the Suzuki engine’s cylinders and the overall condition of the motor. Similar to a compression test, it involves spraying compressed air into each cylinder and using a pressure gauge to measure the percentage of pressure that’s lost after a short period.
Part of performing a leak down test on your Suzuki outboard motor is to listen for any signs of leakage. By listening closely to each cylinder and the areas around them, you’ll better understand where leaks may be present.
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Step #1: Carefully remove the top cowling, Then, remove the ignition coil cover at the rear of the motor.
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Step #2: Remove the spark plugs.
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Step #3: Remove the flywheel cover from the top of the motor.
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Step #4: Mark the flywheel with a marker at 0°, 120°, and 240°. These positions indicate where you’ll rotate each pair of cylinders to the top dead center positions (see Step #11 and #12 below).
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Step #5: Rotate the crankshaft with your ratchet and socket to the top dead center for cylinder #1.
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Step #6: Adjust the regulator on the leak down tester to 0% to calibrate it for an accurate reading.
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Step #7: Connect the leak down tester by screwing into the spark plug port at cylinder #1. Next, connect the tester to the compressor and take a measurement. Be sure to firmly hold the crankshaft to prevent it from rotating.
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Step #8: Rotate the crankshaft 360° (one full rotation) to put cylinder #4 at top dead center.
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Step #9: Connect the leak down tester to cylinder #4. Then, take a measurement while holding the crankshaft to prevent it from rotating.
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Step #10: Set cylinder #3 to top dead center at the 120° mark. Next, repeat step #7 through Step #10 for cylinders #3 and #6.
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Step #11: Set cylinder #2 to top dead center at the 240° mark. Then, repeat step #7 through Step #10 for cylinders #2 and #5.
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Step #12: Replacement is the same as disassembly. Be sure to replace spark plugs in numbered order and apply anti-seizing compound on the threads for easy removal/replacement in the future. Also, firmly reattach the ignition wires for a solid connection.
Is winterizing my Suzuki outboard engine important?
Properly winterizing your Suzuki outboard engine is the best way to prevent damage during the offseason from both lack of use and cold winter temperatures — depending on where you live. It also helps you with a smooth start to the beginning of next season.
There are six basic steps to a proper winterization of your Suzuki outboard engine:
With your engine properly winterized, there shouldn’t be any harmful debris or materials in the engine components that can cause damage over the off-season months. Plus, with new spark plugs, oil, and fluids, your Suzuki outboard should start up right away when boating season starts in the spring or Summer.
For a more in-depth look at how to winterize your Suzuki outboard engine, take a look at “How To Winterize a 4-Stroke Suzuki Outboard Motor” from the PartsVu Xchange. And of course, you can find all the winterization products you need at PartsVu.com to simplify the process.
How do you perform a Suzuki outboard motor oil change?
Performing needed maintenance in a timely manner on your Suzuki outboard is the key to its overall longevity and reliability. The procedure isn’t complicated but can get messy if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Loosen your oil filter to help vent the system.
- Remove your dipstick, insert your oil pump, and once your oil pump is inserted into the dipstick tube, pull the oil out into your oil capture container.
- Remove the old oil filter the rest of the way.
- Prep the new filter for installation by applying a light film of oil onto the face seal of the Suzuki oil filter.
- Thread the oil filter onto the oil filter mount and hand tighten.
- Remove your Suzuki’s fill cap and insert your funnel to prepare to add the new oil.
- Fill the engine with the recommended oil with the proper quantity of oil.
- It’s a good idea to run the engine with the proper water supply to check for any leaks and make sure that the proper oil level is maintained.
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For more detailed information regarding these maintenance steps and to verify any details that may pertain to your specific engine model, please refer to your Suzuki owner’s manual.
To avoid a big mess, use one of our Suzuki outboard oil change kits to perform a quick and easy Suzuki outboard oil change.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Fuel filters: The Suzuki outboard fuel filter is designed to catch any debris and contaminants that have entered your fuel system. Regularly replace your Suzuki outboard fuel filters to keep fuel running freely.
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Fuel pump: A malfunctioning Suzuki fuel pump can significantly reduce engine performance and, over time, severely damage other components. If your fuel pump is not working correctly, replace it and any hoses that may have been affected.
