Identifying Suzuki Outboard Engines

When you are searching for parts for your boat's engine, it's very important to have the proper information regarding the brand, size and type of engine that you have.  Unfortunately, every engine manufacturer uses different information and a different system to identify their engines.  In some cases, like with Suzuki outboards, the process has changed over the years.  In the article below, we will step through how to find the correct identification information for Suzuki outboard engines, and we'll help to translate that information into something you can use.

Model Number is the Key

Most marine engine manufacturers rely on some type of number or code in order to properly identify each motor that they produce.  This number is the key for understanding when the engine was made, what design features it contains, and what size it is.  But, not all engine manufacturers use the same information.  For instance, Mercury engines use a serial number to identify their outboard motors.  When it comes to Suzuki outboards, the model number is the key.  The model number is a combination of letters and numbers that tell a story about the engine in question.  Each model number usually begins with one or two letters, then is followed by two or three numbers, and then finishes with several more letters.  We'll get into what each section of the model number means below.  Here's an example of what a typical Suzuki model number looks like:

DT40CRSN 

Identifying the Year Depends on the Year

Prior to 2012, Suzuki included a code in their model number that identifies the year of manufacture of the engine.  However, beginning in 2012, the year code was dropped from the model number.  Instead, Suzuki began organizing their engines by the serialization of the engine.  So, if your Suzuki outboard is a 2011 model or later, the serial number is an important piece of information for identifying parts for your engine.

Finding the Model & Serial Numbers

The model and serial numbers for Suzuki outboards is usually found on an identification tag that is located on the port side of the transom mounting bracket of the engine.  Hopefully, the model number is still legible when you find it!  One of the most common problems we encounter when helping people to identify parts for their engines is that after years of wear, the model number is no longer readable.  We strongly recommend that you write down your engine model number somewhere safe so that you have an additional resource to refer to long after the original identification tag cannot be read. 

If the serial number is not legible, it can also be found stamped into the cylinder block of the engine.

Breaking Down the Model Number

Model numbers for Suzuki outboards always begin with one or two letters that designate the model description for the engine - whether it is 2-stroke, 4-stroke or a jet drive.  A number will follow after these letters.  The number that follows indicates the horsepower for the engine.  Next are a series of letters that represent several pieces of information, like the model variation, the shaft length, and in some cases the model year.  A complete breakdown of what each letter represents in the model number can be found below.

Need More Help?

If you ever need more assistance identifying your Suzuki outboard engine or specific parts for your engine, feel free to contact the knowledgeable, ABYC-certified folks at Marine Parts Source at (866)388-0390.  We'll help you to find what you need!