• The minimum octane rating that you should use is 93. We also recommend adding a fuel stabilizer if the boat is to be stored for longer than 2 months.

Are 4-stroke outboards pre-filled with engine oil?

• NO! Four-stroke Suzuki outboards are NOT filled with oil from the factory. You must add oil to the crankcase prior to use.

Does the lower unit come pre-filled with oil?

• Yes. The lower unit gear oil is pre-filled by the factory, however, you should check to ensure proper level before first use. To replace/add lower unit oil we recommend a SAE 90 weight gear oil with a GL-5 SAE classification. For additional information, see your owner’s manual.

What type of 4-stroke oil is recommended?

• Suzuki recommends the use of a FC-W® rated NMMA (marine) certified four-stroke engine oil with a viscosity rating of 10W-40 when available.

• NOTE: With four-stroke outboards, oil is added directly to the engine crankcase. Four-stroke outboards use straight gasoline in the fuel tank (no oil mix).

How often should I change my oil in my Suzuki outboard?

• The first oil change is at the 20-hour service and then every 6 months or 100 hours thereafter.

• At the moment, an electric start is available starting with the 2-stroke 40hp remote control model (DT40WRL). On the 4-stroke range, models from 15hp and more have an electric start model (DF15ATL).
• A “remote control” outboard is one that is equipped with the remote throttle, shift and steering controls. This allows the user to operate the outboard from a remote location in relation to the engine (throttle/shift and/or steering).

• Yes. Suzuki utilizes a unique four-part system to fight the effects of saltwater corrosion, beginning with the use of high-grade aluminium alloy for metal castings. A thorough chemical cleaning process prepares the casting ensuring superior adhesion of surface coatings.
• The parts are then submerged in an electrified bath of chromium oxide. The bath changes the make-up of the casting’s surface and creates an invisible barrier that becomes integrated as part of the casting.
• Finally, an extremely hard and resilient epoxy resin primer is baked on, and a top coat of Melamine resin marine grade paint is applied to the castings. Suzuki’s casting and finishing process protects the outboard and effectively seals out saltwater.
• Suzuki’s anti-corrosion system does not stop at casting construction and finishing. All Suzuki outboards feature sacrificial zinc anodes strategically placed internally and externally. These replaceable anodes fight corrosion and preserve overall engine integrity. Additionally, the use of specialized marine-grade stainless steel and Dacromate coated hardware for key components ensure superior corrosion protection in even the harshest environments.

How do I measure the shaft length?

• If mounting directly to a boat transom: Measure from the top of the transom down to the bottom of the hull or keel (lowest point). Measure the area of the transom directly where the engine will be mounted. See diagram below.
• If using an auxiliary mounting bracket: With the bracket in the down position, measure from the top of the bracket’s mounting surface down to the bottom of the hull or keel (where the engine is to be mounted). Tip: For most auxiliary applications, it is possible to use a longer shaft length than what is called for, provided there is sufficient clearance when the engine is in the up position. This can be especially useful in heavy seas.
• If measuring an existing outboard: Measure from the inside top of mounting bracket down to anti-cavitation plate above propeller (this is the largest plate/fin directly above the propeller). See diagram below.

What is the CARB emissions rating for new Suzuki outboards?

• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires manufacturers to apply environmental emission rating labels to all new outboard engines which began with the model year 2001. The Emission label keeps consumers informed when making a purchase decision. California emission regulations are stricter than EPA regulations.
• Every Suzuki four-stroke outboard sold today meets or exceeds all EPA emissions standards and has a CARB 3-Star Ultra Low Emissions rating

• Break-in consists of maintaining lower RPM levels and varying the RPM’s for the first 10 hours of use. The break-in procedure is included in your owner’s manual. Correct operation during the break-in period will prolong the life of your new outboard and will ensure optimum performance. Break-in should be done under a load (on your boat, not at home in a container of water).

• Engine oil must be added prior to use. The engine oil is drained by the factory prior to shipping. When your new outboard arrives, you simply add engine oil (amount and type are shown on page 1 of the manual). The lower unit gear lube is pre-filled from the factory. No assembly is required. Even the propeller is pre-installed for your convenience.
• If you have purchased an electric start model, your outboard will include battery leads pre-installed from the factory (battery not included). You simply connect the battery leads to your battery. The Warranty conditions require that this work be carried out by an Authorised Suzuki Dealer.
• Read the owner’s manual carefully prior to operation. The owner’s manual contains important information regarding the break-in period, safety and proper use of your outboard engine.

• Never start your engine out of the water unless you are using an external lower-unit flushing adapter, commonly known as “ear muffs” designed for your type of outboard motor (not the integral Freshwater Flush Adapter found on some engines) to provide cooling water from a garden hose. Otherwise, you could damage or seize the engine. Operate at no more than an advanced idle with good water pressure. Never put the engine in gear. Never leave a running engine unattended.

• You should read your Owner’s Manual before operating your Suzuki Outboard. It will explain various warnings you might encounter during operation. The monitor gauge will illuminate why the warning buzzer has sounded. If the warning buzzer is indicating a problem with oil or overheating, it will also be accompanied by a reduction in maximum RPM. The buzzer will sound when the engine is started. The warning system will sound and the oil light will illuminate after the first 20 hours of operation – it is time for the first oil change. This process will repeat after another 80 hours of operation and then again after every 100 hours of operation. Conditions like low oil and overheating can seriously damage your engine. If you are unable to determine why the buzzer has sounded, you should check with your authorized Suzuki Marine dealer before continued operation.

• You should read your Owner’s Manual before operating your Suzuki Outboard. It will explain various warnings you might encounter during operation. The monitor gauge will illuminate why the warning buzzer has sounded. If the warning buzzer is indicating a problem with oil or overheating, it will also be accompanied by a reduction in maximum RPM. The buzzer will sound when the engine is started. The warning system will sound and the oil light will illuminate after the first 20 hours of operation – it is time for the first oil change. This process will repeat after another 80 hours of operation and then again after every 100 hours of operation. Conditions like low oil and overheating can seriously damage your engine. If you are unable to determine why the buzzer has sounded, you should check with your authorized Suzuki Marine dealer before continued operation.

• Suzuki will do its best to get you the parts you need, but the older the motor, the less likely it is that parts will be readily available. Availability, to a certain extent, depends on how many models the specific part was used for and the number of years your model was produced. You’ll find the manufacturer’s identification tag on the motor mount bracket, generally on the starboard (right) side of the bracket. Be sure to take down all the information on the model designator, including all prefixes and suffixes and show it to your Suzuki dealer. We’ll do everything possible to help you get new parts for your older Suzuki outboard.

• Suzuki outboards are equipped with freshwater flush ports (all models except DF2.5, 9.9). A simple garden hose attachment makes it easy to clean the cooling system of saltwater and impurities. In fact, DF70, 80, 90, 150, 175, 200A, 250 and 300 have dual flushing ports. One is located on the backside of the down housing and the second is located on the front panel to provide easy access and no excuses.

• Yes, it is! The timing chain is located below the powerhead where it runs in a continual oil bath for dependable and quiet operation. With Suzuki’s exclusive automatic hydraulic chain tensioner, you can focus on boating and having a good time. (DF40, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 115, 140, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 250SS, 300).