If your motor gets submerged, acting quickly can prevent lasting damage. While it's best to have a professional marine mechanic inspect and repair it, there are steps you can take if immediate servicing isn't available.
Immediate Response: Remove the motor from the water as quickly as possible.
Safety First: Turn off the power to prevent any electrical accidents.
Rinse the Engine: After removing the motor cover, wash the engine with clean water to remove salt, mud, and seaweed.
Drain Excess Water: Take out the spark plugs and manually turn the flywheel to push water out from the cylinders. If the plugs were under salt water, plan on fitting new ones; the Suzuki spark plug chart lists the part number and gap by model.
Oil Inspection and Draining: Check the engine oil for water contamination (milky or cloudy oil). If water is present, drain the oil and replace it with the amount listed in the Suzuki oil capacity chart; a Suzuki oil change kit has the oil, filter and drain gasket for your model. Ensure you securely tighten the oil drain plug afterward. Check the lower unit as well: if the gear oil comes out milky, drain and refill it (see the gear oil capacity chart).
Fuel System: Drain the fuel from the carburetor, fuel line, and filters. Be cautious of gasoline – keep it away from flames and dispose of it properly. If your boat's tank and vent were submerged, inspect the fuel to ensure no water contamination; our water-in-fuel guide explains what to look for.
Lubricate: Pour a tablespoon of engine oil into each spark plug hole and into the carburetor. Use the recoil (pull) starter only to turn the engine over a few times and spread the oil; never use the electric starter, because water left in a cylinder can bend a connecting rod. Stop at once if you feel any resistance. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts, cables, and linkages to prevent rust and corrosion.
Inspect Air System: Check the air intake and filters. Water can damage or clog them, so dry, clean, or replace as necessary.
Try Starting (only if a dealer cannot see the motor within a day): Suzuki's own procedure goes straight from oiling the cylinders to a dealer inspection. If you must run it, use the pull starter, keep it at low RPM, listen for unusual sounds, and stop immediately if you feel any friction or resistance.
Consult a Suzuki Marine Dealer: Regardless of your initial success, have an authorized Suzuki marine dealer inspect the engine as soon as possible. Salt water starts corroding internal parts within hours, so this is a same-day job, not a next-week one. Contact us if you need help finding service.
Remember: Regular maintenance can help avoid future issues. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional when in doubt.