Suzuki Outboard Throttle & Shift Cables FAQ
What are the most popular lengths of Suzuki Outboard Throttle & Shift Cables?
If you’re experiencing trouble starting your engine, throttling up to specific RPMs, or believe your throttle cables have stretched out, it’s time for a Suzuki outboard throttle cable replacement. Some of the most popular lengths of Suzuki Outboard Throttle & Shift Cables are:
- 4 foot throttle cable
- 5 foot throttle cable
- 8 ft throttle cable
- 10 ft throttle cable
To know which exact throttle cable for Suzuki outboards you need, refer to your Suzuki engine manual.
How do I start a flooded Suzuki outboard motor?
What causes a flooded Suzuki outboard engine, and what does it mean?
A flooded motor has too much fuel in the cylinder, and it can therefore be very difficult– or impossible– to start. A strong smell of gasoline may indicate that this has occurred.
Even if your motor does start while flooded, it’s important to address it immediately anyway. Running a flooded motor can damage the whole system, leading to a much larger (and more expensive) set of problems.
Now, to address the problem: wait about five minutes before you clear-flood start the engine. You do this by moving the throttle to the clear-throttle or wide-open throttle position and crank your engine. This allows air to enter the engine, but not fuel, and should get things moving along. It may take a few tries for this to be effective.
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.
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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.
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”. 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.
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 F115, 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 trim/tilt switch can be a sign of some other issues, such as low battery, electrical shorts, malfunctioning hydraulic motors, and more.
Why is my Suzuki outboard fuel system important?
The Suzuki fuel system is composed of the fuel pump, fuel filter, check valves, fuel hoses, fuel pump diaphragm, and injectors. Listen for the operation sound. If you can’t hear the system attempting to work, check for continuity between the fuse holder, fuse, fuel pump relay, and wiring harness. Repair or replace the defective part(s) if there is no continuity. If there is continuity, replace the electric fuel pump. If you hear the operation sound, check each part of the fuel system individually.
First, inspect the Suzuki fuel filters and look for clogs, cracks, kinks, or leaks in the hoses. Replace any parts with damage. Next, check the diaphragm for cracks or other signs of damage. Then, check the vapor separator needle valve for bends or signs of wear. The next step is to check the injectors for clogs and resistance. Then, check for poor connections.
Finally, note if there is any water in the fuel. Ethanol gasoline attracts water, which negatively impacts the combustibility of the fuel. This is especially likely if you haven’t used fuel additives or stabilizers. Water in the fuel may also cause a bad or failing fuel pump. If you find water in your fuel, you may want to check that the pump is in good condition.
You can perform a Suzuki outboard fuel pump test by removing the spark plug wire boot from the Suzuki spark plug and then removing the spark plug with a plug socket and wrench. Attach a compression gauge into the spark plug socket. If you have an electric motor, you may need a second person to crank your engine over while you twist your throttle position open. Otherwise, you can push the throttle open with one hand and pull the rope start.
