FLUSHING THE WATER PASSAGES
After operation in muddy, brackish, or salt water, you should flush the water passages and motor surface with clean, fresh water. If you do not flush the water passages, salt can corrode the motor and shorten its life.
Flush the water passages as follows:
• Never start the engine or let it run indoors or where there is little or no ventilation. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a gas that is colorless and odorless and can cause death or severe injury.
• Make sure the engine remains in NEUTRAL while flushing out the water passages. If shifted into gear, the propeller shaft will turn, possibly resulting in personal injury.
• Make sure the motor is properly clamped to a secure stand or boat and remain in attendance until flushing is completed.
• Keep children and pets away from the area, and stay clear of all moving parts during this procedure.
Never start the motor without supplying water to the cooling system as water pump damage could result in as little as 15 seconds. Severe engine damage could result from no water supply.
To flush the water passages, you must obtain a commercially available engine flush device.
- Cover the auxiliary water intake hole (1) with a piece of duct tape.
- Install the flushing attachment (2) so that the water intake holes are covered by the rubber cups on the attachment.
Connect a garden hose to the flushing attachment and turn on the water to obtain enough flow so that plenty of excess water is flowing out from around the rubber cups on the attachment.
Shift into “NEUTRAL” with the propeller removed and start the motor. As soon as the engine starts, water should spray out of the pilot water hole (3), indicating proper water pump operation. If no water spray is evident, stop the motor immediately and consult your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer.
Allow the engine to run only at idle speed while flushing. Readjust the water flow, if necessary, so that there is still plenty of excess water flowing out from around the rubber cups.
Allow the water to continue circulating for a few minutes.
Stop the motor, then turn off the water.
Remove the flushing attachment and remove the duct tape from the water intake hole.
Clean the motor surface and apply a coat of automotive wax on the external finish of the motor.
SUBMERGED MOTOR
If your motor has been accidentally submerged in water, it must receive a special repair service as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. If possible, have a qualified marine dealer service the engine. If immediate servicing is not available, take the following steps to help protect your motor. In the event that your motor is accidentally submerged, take the following steps:
Get the motor out of the water as soon as possible.
Remove the motor cover and immediately wash the engine thoroughly with fresh water to completely remove all salt, mud, and seaweed.
Remove the spark plugs. Drain the water from the cylinders through the spark plug holes by manually turning the flywheel several times.
Check if any water is evident in the engine oil. If water is seen, remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil. After draining, tighten the oil drain plug.
Drain the fuel line and all filters.
Keep flames and sparks away from gasoline. Dispose of unwanted fuel properly.
- Pour one tablespoon of engine oil in through each spark plug hole. Coat the engine inner parts with oil by turning the engine over with the emergency starter rope. Don’t use the electric starter, as this may bend the connecting rods.
If you encounter friction or resistance while cranking the engine, stop at once and do not attempt to start the engine until it is inspected or repaired.
- Have your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer inspect the engine as soon as possible.
If the boat’s fuel tank filler and vent were also submerged, the fuel supply could be contaminated and should be inspected.