Servicing 50hp 4 stroke Suzuki

I am contiplating servicing my 50hp Suzuki myself (too save cash for trolling rods). I have always changed my own oil on my vehicles but have never owned a 4 stroke outboard before. I am definitely not a mechanic by any means. From what I have read, it doesn't look too hard. Any pointers to make this process go smoother? It looks like I need to replace the drain plug gasket, filter, engine oil, and lower unit gear oil. Do you think I should go a head and replace the spark plugs while I am at it. This engine has already gone through the break in period, but how many hours on the fresh oil, I'm not sure. I mainly just use the trolling motor on the lakes that I fish. I have been waiting on the warning light to say it is time to change the oil. But it hasn't and I would rather be safe than sorry. Also, my gages are currently not working on the consul. Do you figure that this is probably a bad fuse? Would this prevent the oil warning light from working? Anything else that I should be thinking of or considering? Thanks!

I found the service manual online. I think I can handle it.

I service my 115 Mercury 4 stroke and it's just like changing the oil in your truck, you already mentioned it but need to make sure and get the kit with the drain plug gasket. I change mine once a year, I don't ever hit the hr mark to change. For the lower unit oil you will need to buy one of the pumps you can get in most sporting good stores and make sure not to get air bubbles in it or you'll end up putting new gears in. Overall it's not that hard though.

Spark plugs should not be required since it is a four stroke and doesnt burn oil for the firing process. Wouldnt hurt to pull the plugs have a look and wire brush clean. You got this!

I do my 70 Suzuki every year. No problem. You will be shocked at how easy it is

Gauges are probably blown fuses or loose connection. Most have a main ground to the gauge cluster. I have found most of the time when they act up that ground will be loose. Matt your warning buzzer or warning light. should be wired into the main engine wiring harness seperat from the other wiring.

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Originally Posted by cray

Gauges are probably blown fuses or loose connection. Most have a main ground to the gauge cluster. I have found most of the time when they act up that ground will be loose. Matt your warning buzzer or warning light. should be wired into the main engine wiring harness seperat from the other wiring.

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Thanks Cray. I'll see if I can hunt down the loose ground.

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Originally Posted by arkcrappie

I do my 70 Suzuki every year. No problem. You will be shocked at how easy it is

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Good deal!

Hey get a 3 ft pc of hose and clamp it to a air Chuck,when you take out the oil plug screw it in and tilt motor down. Hose can be put into a bucket...it's either that or get it all over the floor.... Air fitting like goes in an mail gun/air hose.

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Originally Posted by joekiller

Hey get a 3 ft pc of hose and clamp it to a air Chuck,when you take out the oil plug screw it in and tilt motor down. Hose can be put into a bucket...it's either that or get it all over the floor.... Air fitting like goes in an mail gun/air hose.

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Great tip! I am a noriously messy oil changer on my vehicles. Any tips like this, makes it a little less of a hassle for a mess like me.

Get the drain plug washer replaced - It could leak otherwise. You may consider a water pump impeller but they usually last several years under normal use. One good thing about draining the gearbox is you can instantly tell if youre getting water in the oil which would indicate a failed seal. Wal marks carries an attwood brand pump that threads onto
any quart of oil that will pump your gearbox from the bottom access hole and theyre only $6 or $7 bones and they'll likely have an oil filter that will work as well.

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Originally Posted by blueducklane

Get the drain plug washer replaced - It could leak otherwise. You may consider a water pump impeller but they usually last several years under normal use. One good thing about draining the gearbox is you can instantly tell if youre getting water in the oil which would indicate a failed seal. Wal marks carries an attwood brand pump that threads onto
any quart of oil that will pump your gearbox from the bottom access hole and theyre only $6 or $7 bones and they'll likely have an oil filter that will work as well.

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Thanks Cledus!

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Originally Posted by blueducklane

Get the drain plug washer replaced - It could leak otherwise. You may consider a water pump impeller but they usually last several years under normal use. One good thing about draining the gearbox is you can instantly tell if youre getting water in the oil which would indicate a failed seal. Wal marks carries an attwood brand pump that threads onto
any quart of oil that will pump your gearbox from the bottom access hole and theyre only $6 or $7 bones and they'll likely have an oil filter that will work as well.

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I'll even let you come over on one of your Friday's off and supervise, to make sure that I get er done right on my first attempt. I'm sure that you would rather do that than fish, right?

Where can buy the drain plug washer? Local or just online?

I bought my filter, washer, and Suzuki oil from Browns Point Marine. Quick delivery and reasonable price. Shipping charges, well, I like it when things ship free, but they don't. Not sure it really makes that much difference, but I feel better about using the Suzuki oil, and I couldn't find it locally. I've already bought another round for the next time so that I won't have to wait when the time comes. Just put it on the shelf.

I use Castrol GTX 10-40 in my Suzukis (10-30 for northern engines). You can get Sierra oil filters at NAPA. Do not use the oil filters that have their name on them. The Sierra is as good as factory.

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Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

I use Castrol GTX 10-40 in my Suzukis (10-30 for northern engines). You can get Sierra oil filters at NAPA. Do not use the oil filters that have their name on them. The Sierra is as good as factory.

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So, don't use the Suzuki Oil and Filter? What about Mobile 1 full synthetic? I have always put this in my vehicles and they have run like a top for a long time.

I'm using Sierra filters and Castrol in my motor. It may blow up tomorrow but I haven't had any issues.

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Originally Posted by D10

So, don't use the Suzuki Oil and Filter? What about Mobile 1 full synthetic? I have always put this in my vehicles and they have run like a top for a long time.

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No, the Suzuki oil and filters are fine. You just have more accessible options if you want to use them.

What Kent said!!!

I don't like full synthetic. Since you don't run the engine everyday like you do your auto, the synthetic oils runs off the rings more and makes for a drier start. The regular oils, or blends have more cling to the rings and pistons. [emoji4]

Thanks Bill!