Owner's Manual DF300 Propeller Selection And Installation

If installing the battery isolator lead assembly, available as optional parts, and changing the position of 40 A fuse from standard to option, dual battery charging system will be effective.

Be sure to check if the optional 40 A fuse in OPT position is blown, when the second battery for accessories will not be charged.

Please ask your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer for installation of the isolator lead assembly.

The amount of power (DC12 V) available for accessories depends on the operating condition of the motor. For getting a detailed information, please inquire of your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer.

Use of too much power for electrical accessories under certain operating conditions can cause the battery to discharge.

PROPELLER SELECTION
It is essential to use a propeller on your outboard motor that is properly matched to your boat’s operating characteristics. The speed of the engine when you operate your boat at full throttle depends on the propeller you use. Excessive engine speed can seriously damage the motor, while low engine speed at full throttle will adversely affect the performance. Your operating load will also affect propeller selection. Smaller loads generally require larger-pitch propellers; larger loads generally require smaller-pitch propellers. Your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer will assist you in selecting a suitable propeller for your boat.

Installing a propeller with pitch either too high or too low will cause incorrect maximum engine speed, which may result in severe damage to the motor.

You can determine if your propeller is appropriate for use with your boat by using a tachometer to measure engine speed when operating your boat at full throttle, under minimum load conditions. If you are using an appropriate propeller, the engine speed will be within the following range:

DF300   5700 – 6300 r/min. (min–1)

If the engine speed is not within this range, consult your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer to determine which propeller size is best for you.

If you change propellers, be sure to perform the above check again, to confirm that the engine speed under full throttle is within the specified range.

PROPELLER INSTALLATION

• When installing or removing the propeller, shift into “Neutral” and remove the emergency stop switch lock plate so that the motor cannot be started accidentally.
• To protect hands, wear gloves and “Lock” the propeller by placing a block of wood between the blades and the anti-cavitation plate.

To install a propeller on your outboard motor, use the following procedure:

1. Coat the propeller shaft splines (1) liberally with Suzuki water resistant grease to help prevent corrosion.
2. Place the stopper (2) on the shaft.
3. Align the propeller (3) with the propeller shaft splines and slide the propeller onto the shaft.
4. Place the spacer (4) and washer (5) on the shaft.
5. Install the propeller nut (6) and tighten it with a torque wrench to 50 - 60 N·m (5.0 - 6.0 kg-m/36.0 - 43.5 lb-ft).
6. Align the grooves in the propeller nut with the hole in the shaft, then insert the cotter pin (7) and bend the pin ends over to lock it in place.

To remove the propeller, reverse the above procedure.

TRIM ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
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. Adjust the trim angle using the Power Trim and Tilt system.

Refer to the POWER TRIM AND TILT section.

If you still cannot achieve good performance, there may be a problem with engine mounting height. Consult your dealer for assistance.