If you own a Suzuki outboard motor and often navigate saltwater, taking extra care of your motor is essential for its longevity and performance. Saltwater can be harsh on engines, but with the right maintenance practices, you can keep your outboard running smoothly for years. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you care for your engine effectively.
Flush Your Engine Regularly
After each outing, it’s vital to flush your engine to remove salt and debris. Use a quality “ear muff” style flushing adapter that covers the lower unit water intakes, or the flushing port if your motor has one. With muffs, run the engine at idle speed in neutral for about five minutes with plenty of water flowing out around the cups; never start the motor without water supplied, and stay with it while it runs. With a flushing port the engine stays off. Our flushing guide walks through both methods, and your owner’s manual lists the safety precautions for your model.
Keep It Clean and Protected
A good wash goes a long way. Carefully wash your outboard engine with mild soap and water to remove salt and other deposits. After cleaning, apply a quality marine wax to seal and protect the finish against sun damage and salt. Regular washing not only keeps your engine looking great but also helps prevent long-term damage.
Treat with Silicone Spray
Every second or third trip, consider removing the hood of your outboard (ensuring the engine is off and cool) and applying a thin film of silicone spray to the powerhead under the cowling; this provides additional protection.
Address Nicks and Scratches Promptly
Frequent inspections of your outboard are essential. Look for nicks and scratches where corrosion can begin. Touch up any superficial scratches with color-matched paint, and for deeper scratches, apply a top-quality metal primer before painting.
Store Your Engine Wisely
To protect your engine from UV damage, store it out of direct sunlight whenever possible, or fit an engine cover. Covers come in two styles: a storage cover you remove before use, and a vented cover that can stay on while the motor is running. This simple measure can help preserve the exterior components and finish of your engine.
Storage When Docked
When the boat is not in use, especially when docked in a slip, tilt your outboard motor up to minimize saltwater exposure to the lower unit.
Regularly Grease Key Points
Your Suzuki outboard has grease fittings at the steering pivot and swivel bracket, where corrosion would otherwise seize the moving parts. Use a grease gun to apply grease through these fittings at the lubrication interval in your owner’s manual (Suzuki lists it at the 20-hour service and every 100 hours or 12 months after that; see the maintenance schedule explained). Periodically remove the propeller and coat the propeller shaft splines with Suzuki water resistant grease as well.
Inspect Battery Connections
Salt air corrodes battery terminals and cable ends, so check them regularly, clean any white or green buildup, and keep the connections tight. The battery cable and wiring guide covers terminal hardware and cable sizing.
Change Oil and Filter
Follow the manufacturer’s scheduled engine oil and oil filter changes, especially if the motor lives in saltwater. Suzuki calls for an oil change at the initial 20 hours or 1 month and then every 100 hours or 12 months, with the filter every 200 hours or 12 months; the oil capacity chart gives the amount for each model.
Replace Sacrificial Zinc Anodes
Zinc anodes are vital for protecting your engine from corrosion. Suzuki says to inspect them at the 20-hour service and every 100 hours after that, and to replace them once two-thirds of the metal has corroded away. Never paint an anode, since paint stops it from working. In particularly corrosive saltwater areas, adding an extra anode below the water line may be advisable. Our Suzuki anode guide shows where each anode is on your motor.
Keep It Up
Following these habits will extend the life of your Suzuki outboard and keep it running the way it should. If you have a question about your specific model, contact us at 561-562-6441 or support@boatmaxonline.com.