FUEL AND OIL
GASOLINE
Suzuki highly recommends that you use alcohol-free unleaded gasoline whenever possible, with a minimum pump octane rating of 87 ((R+M)/2 method). In some areas, the only fuels that are available are oxygenated fuels.
Oxygenated fuels which meet the minimum octane requirement and the requirements described below may be used in your outboard motor without jeopardizing the New Outboard Motor Limited Warranty.
Use of leaded gasoline can cause engine damage. Use of improper or poor quality fuel can affect performance and may damage your motor and fuel system. Use only unleaded gasoline. Do not use fuel having lower than the recommended octane, or fuel that may be stale or contaminated by dirt/water etc.
Oxygenated fuels are fuels which contain oxygen-carrying additives such as MTBE or alcohol.
Gasoline Containing MTBE
Unleaded gasoline containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) may be used in your outboard motor if the MTBE content is not greater than 15%. This oxygenated fuel does not contain alcohol.
Gasoline/Ethanol Blends
Blends of unleaded gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol), also known as gasohol, may be used in your outboard motor if the ethanol content is not greater than 10%.
Gasoline/Methanol Blends
Avoid using blends of unleaded gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol) whenever possible. DO NOT USE fuels containing more than 5% methanol under any circumstances. Fuel system damage or outboard motor performance
problems resulting from the use of such fuels are not the responsibility of Suzuki and may not be covered under the New Outboard Motor Limited Warranty. Fuel containing 5% or less methanol may be suitable for use in your outboard motor if they contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Fuel Pump Labeling
In some states, pumps that dispense oxygenated fuels are required to be labeled for the type and percentage of oxygenate, and whether important additives are present. Such labels may provide enough information for you to determine if a particular blend of fuel meets the requirements listed above. In other states, pumps may not be clearly labeled as to the content or type of oxygenate and additives. If you are not sure that the fuel you intend to use meets these requirements, check with the service station operator or the fuel suppliers.
Fuel Pump Labeling
In some states, pumps that dispense oxygenated fuels are required to be labeled for the type and percentage of oxygenate, and whether important additives are present. Such labels may provide enough information for you to determine if a particular blend of fuel meets the requirements listed above. In other states, pumps may not be clearly labeled as to the content or type of oxygenate and additives. If you are not sure that the fuel you intend to use meets these requirements, check with the service station operator or the fuel suppliers.
• Be sure that any oxygenated fuel blend you use has octane ratings of at least 87 pump octane ((R+M)/2 method).
• If you are not satisfied with the driveability or fuel economy of your outboard motor when you are using a gasoline/alcohol blend, you should switch back to unleaded gasoline containing no alcohol.
• If engine pinging is experienced, substitute another brand, as there are differences between brands.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and toxic. It can cause a fire and can be hazardous to people and pets.
Always take the following precautions when refueling:
• Never permit anyone other than an adult to refill the fuel tank.
• If you use a portable fuel tank, always stop the motor and remove the fuel tank from the boat to refill it.
• Do not fill the fuel tank all the way to the top or fuel may overflow when it expands due to heating by the sun.
• Be careful not to spill fuel. If you do, wipe it up immediately.
• Do not smoke, and keep away from open flames and sparks.
Gasoline kept in the fuel tank for long periods of time will produce varnish and gum, which can damage the engine.
Always use fresh gasoline.
Fuels containing alcohol can cause paint damage, which is not covered under the New Outboard Motor Limited Warranty.
Be careful not to spill fuel containing alcohol while refueling. If fuel is spilled, wipe it up immediately.
ENGINE OIL
Use of poor quality engine oil can adversely affect engine performance and life.
Suzuki recommends that you use Suzuki Marine 4-Cycle Engine Oil or its equivalent.
Oil quality is a major contributor to your engine’s performance and life. Always select good quality engine oil. Suzuki recommends the use of SAE 10W-40 SUZUKI MARINE 4-CYCLE ENGINE OIL. If SUZUKI MARINE 4-CYCLE ENGINE OIL is not available, select a NMMA certified FC-W oil or good quality 4-cycle motor oil from the following chart according to the average temperatures in your area.
In very cold weather (below 5°C (41°F), use SAE (or NMMA FC-W) 5W-30 for easier starting and smooth operation.
GEAR OIL
Suzuki recommends the use of SUZUKI HYPOID GEAR OIL. If it is not available, use SAE 90 hypoid gear oil which is rated GL-5
under the API classification system.