Owner's Manual DF20A, DF15 Adjustments

To help maintain steering stability and good performance, always maintain the proper trim angle as shown in the illustration. The appropriate trim angle varies depending on the combination of the boat, engine, and propeller, as well as operating conditions.

Make a test run in the boat to determine if the trim angle needs to be adjusted.

To adjust the trim angle:

1. Lock the motor in the fully tilted up position.

2. Reposition the tilt pin A in the desired holes.

3. Lower the motor back down.

To lower the bow, move the pin towards the boat. To raise the bow, move the pin away from the boat. After you have made an adjustment to the trim angle, make another test run to make sure you have adjusted it to the correct angle.

Trim angle greatly affects steering stability. If the trim angle is too small, the boat may “plow” or “bow steer”. If the trim angle is too large, the boat may “chine walk” from side to side or “porpoise” up and down. These conditions, which result in loss of steering control, can cause occupants to be thrown overboard.
Always maintain proper trim angle based on the combination of your boat, engine, and propeller, as well as operating conditions.

If you operate the motor with the tilt pin removed, you may not be able to control steering as expected.
Do not operate the motor with the tilt pin removed.

The steering on your outboard motor should be smooth and not too tight. Adjust the steering tension so that there is only a slight resistance to steering movement.

To increase the steering tension, turn the steering tension bolt (A) clockwise. To decrease the steering tension, turn the steering tension bolt counterclockwise.

For auxiliary adjustment, use the steering tension lever (B). To increase the steering tension, move the lever (B) to the left. To decrease the steering tension, move the lever to the right.

• To adjust the initial steering friction, fully loosen steering tension lever (B), then set the steering friction with steering tension bolt (A).
• Do not apply a grease to the area (C).

The tension of the throttle control grip can be adjusted according to your preference. To increase the tension, turn the throttle tension adjuster A clockwise. To decrease the tension, turn the adjuster counterclockwise.

The idle speed has been factory adjusted between 800 – 900 r/min. in neutral.

If idle speed cannot be set within the specified range, contact your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer.