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.
● If leaded gasoline is used, engine damage may result. Use only unleaded gasoline.
● Do not use fuel of a lower than recommended octane or fuel that may be stale or contaminated by dirt/water etc. Such poor quality fuel will affect performance and may damage your engine and fuel system.
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.
● 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 drive ability 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 be tween brands.
● Unleaded gasoline will extend spark plug life.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and toxic. Always observe 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.
Always use fresh gasoline. Gasoline kept in the fuel tank for long periods of time will produce varnish and gum, which can damage the engine.
Be careful not to spill fuel containing alcohol while refueling. Fuels containing alcohol can cause paint damage, which is not covered under the New Outboard Motor Limited Warranty.
ENGINE OIL
The choice of engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and life.
Using a premium quality four stroke motor oil will increase the service life of your motor. Use only oils which are rated SE, SF, SG, SH or SJ under the API classification system. The viscosity rating should be SAE 10W-40. If an SAE 10W40 motor oil is not available, select an alternative according to the chart below.
In very cold weather (below 5°C (-15°F), use SAE 5W-30 for good starting and smooth operation.
GEAR OIL
Use SUZUKI OUTBOARD MOTOR GEAR OIL, or equivalent high quality SAE90 hypoid gear oil.