Suzuki DF6 Specifications
| Engine Model: Suzuki DF6 |
| Engine Type: 4-stroke 1-cylinder OHV gasoline outboard engine |
| Total Displacement: 8.4 cu.in (138 cc) |
| Rated Engine Power: 6 Hp (4.4 kW) at 5750 rpm |
| Fuel System: Carburetor |
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The Suzuki DF6 is recognized for its
exceptional portability and ease of use, with a dry weight as low as
24.0 kg on the latest A-series models. It is part of a new generation of
portable outboards that have been comprehensively overhauled to be more
compact and lighter than their predecessors, enhancing operability for
users who frequently transport and store their engine.
The engine incorporates user-centric design elements such as an
integrated carrying handle that is rounded and easier to hold, and an
additional grip at the front for balanced two-person carrying. The
overhead integral fuel tank is a significant feature, placed directly
above the carburetor to allow for gravity fuel supply. This design
enables the engine to start instantly after filling fuel, even following
long-term storage, without the need for a primer bulb.
The new lubrication system allows for convenient three-way storage - on
its port, starboard, or front side - without the risk of oil leakage.
Its operation is noted for quiet performance and vibration mitigation,
particularly in the mid-range, contributing to a more comfortable
boating experience.
The engine is built with Suzuki's anti-corrosion system for durability
in marine environments and includes a digital CDI ignition for reliable
starting and an over-revolution limiter for protection. As a
four-stroke, it offers cleaner operation and greater fuel efficiency
compared to traditional two-stroke engines, conforming to some of the
world's strictest emissions standards.
Engine Model - Suzuki DF6, DF6A
Engine Type - 4-stroke single-cylinder OHV gasoline outboard engine
Number of Cylinders - 1
Displacement - 138 cc (8.4 cu-in)
Cylinder Bore - 62.0 mm (2.44 in)
Piston Stroke - 46.0 mm (1.81 in)
Maximum Engine Power - 4.4 kW (6.0 hp) at 5250 rpm
Full Throttle Operating Range - 4750 - 5750 r/min
Idle Speed - 1250 - 1350 r/min
Compression Ratio - 9.2:1
Fuel System Type - Carburetor
Fuel Type - Unleaded gasoline (91 octane minimum)
Ignition System - Digital CDI
Cooling System - Water-cooled
Exhaust System - Above propeller exhaust
Starting System - Manual recoil
Choke System - Manual
Throttle Control - Twist grip
Gear Shift - Forward - Neutral - Reverse
Gear Ratio - 1.92:1
Steering System - Tiller
Trim and Tilt System - Manual, 5 tilt pin positions
Transom Height (Short Shaft) - 381 mm (15 in)
Transom Height (Long Shaft) - 508 mm (20 in)
Trim Angle - 4-20 degrees
Maximum Tilt Angle - 71 degrees
Dry Weight (Short Shaft) - 24.0 kg (52.9 lbs)
Dry Weight (Long Shaft) - 25.0 kg (55.1 lbs)
Alternator Rating - 12V 5A or 6A (optional)
The powerhead is built around a single-cylinder configuration with a
displacement of 138 cc. The engine utilizes a wet sump forced
lubrication system with a trochoid-type pump. A notable engineering
feature is the offset crankshaft design, where the crankshaft is
positioned slightly off the center of the cylinder bore. This reduces
the lateral force of the piston against the cylinder wall during the
power stroke, resulting in smoother piston movement and improved
operating efficiency.
The cylinder bore inside diameter measures 62.000-62.015 mm, with a
maximum permissible out-of-round of 0.050 mm. The piston skirt diameter
is 61.975-61.990 mm, resulting in a piston-to-cylinder clearance of
0.010-0.040 mm. The piston pin outside diameter is 17.995-18.000 mm,
with a piston pin bore inside diameter of 18.006-18.014 mm, providing a
clearance of 0.006-0.019 mm. The connecting rod big end inside diameter
is 28.015-28.025 mm, with a crank pin outside diameter of 27.990-28.000
mm, resulting in an oil clearance of 0.015-0.035 mm.
Connecting rod side clearance at the big end is 0.20-0.90 mm. The
crankshaft journal outside diameter is 24.959-24.980 mm with an oil
clearance of 0.020-0.062 mm. Maximum crankshaft runout is 0.050 mm. The
piston rings include a top ring, second ring, and oil ring. The top and
second rings have a width of 1.22-1.24 mm. The top ring end gap is
0.20-0.35 mm, while the second ring end gap is 0.35-0.50 mm. Top and
second ring side clearance is 0.03-0.07 mm.
The cylinder head incorporates an OverHead Valve (OHV) design with two
valves, one for intake and one for exhaust. The valve train is designed
for quiet operation, with refinements to the rocker arm structure to
minimize excessive movement and noise. The crankshaft bearing has been
changed from a common ball type to a plane bearing, which also
contributes to noise reduction.
The cylinder head warp limit is 0.050 mm. Cylinder head bolts require a
precise tightening torque of 30 Nm (21.7 lb-ft) during service or
reassembly. Intake valve head diameter is 24.0 mm, and exhaust valve
head diameter is 22.0 mm. Minimum valve head thickness for both valves
is 1.00 mm. The intake valve stem outside diameter is 5.460-5.475 mm,
while the exhaust valve stem is 5.440-5.455 mm. Valve guide inside
diameter for both valves is 5.500-5.512 mm. Intake valve stem-to-guide
clearance is 0.025-0.052 mm, and exhaust clearance is 0.045-0.072 mm.
Intake valve seat width is 0.8-1.0 mm, while exhaust valve seat width is
1.0-1.2 mm. The valve spring free length is 29.50 mm. Camshaft journal
outside diameter is 14.966-14.984 mm for the upper journal and
15.966-15.984 mm for the lower, with an oil clearance of 0.016-0.062 mm.
Intake cam height is 32.401-32.461 mm, and exhaust cam height is
32.538-32.598 mm. Valve clearance is set to 0.03-0.07 mm for both intake
and exhaust valves when cold.
The DF6 features a straightforward and reliable fuel delivery system
centered on a carburetor. An integral 1.5-liter fuel tank is mounted
overhead, positioned above the carburetor. This overhead placement
allows for gravity fuel supply, a significant upgrade that simplifies
the starting procedure by eliminating the need for a primer bulb to
re-fuel the system after the engine has not been used for a while.
A manual choke is provided for cold starts. The fuel system also
includes two fuel filters to stop most contaminants from reaching the
carburetor. The engine is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating of 87 or 91. A twist-grip throttle on the tiller
handle allows for smooth and precise engine speed control.
The lubrication system is a forced wet sump design utilizing a
trochoid-type cam-driven oil pump to ensure reliable oil delivery under
pressure to critical engine components, including the upper and lower
crankshaft and connecting rod big end. This pressurised system reduces
friction and wear, enhancing engine longevity. A notable feature in this
class of outboard is the inclusion of a replaceable, cartridge-style oil
filter, which significantly improves the system's long-term reliability
by trapping contaminants.
An oil level window is provided on the side of the engine for easy
visual checks of the actual lubricating condition. This advanced
lubrication system also provides the practical benefit of allowing the
outboard to be stored on any of its three sides - port, starboard, or
front - without risk of oil leakage. The engine oil capacity is 0.70
liters, and it requires SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 oil meeting API service
classifications SE through SJ.
Engine temperature is regulated by a water-cooled system. Cooling water
is drawn into the engine through intakes located on the gearcase, just
below the anti-ventilation plate. A rubber impeller water pump, driven
by the driveshaft, circulates water through the engine block to absorb
heat.
A thermostat regulates the water flow to maintain optimal operating
temperature for efficiency and performance. A tell-tale port (pilot
water hole) provides a visible stream of water to confirm that the
cooling system is functioning correctly. The system incorporates a fresh
water flushing attachment, allowing owners to easily rinse out saltwater
and debris after use to prolong the engine's life.
| Mid Section and Lower Unit |
The mid-section houses the driveshaft and provides the mounting point
for the engine to the transom bracket via a bushing-type engine mounting
system. The lower unit contains the gearcase, which is filled with 0.19
liters of Suzuki Outboard Motor Gear Oil or GL5 SAE 90 gear oil. The
gears facilitate a reduction ratio of 1.92:1, optimizing propeller speed
for thrust.
The shift mechanism allows for positive engagement of Forward, Neutral,
and Reverse gears with a large plastic clutch lever that promotes easier
shifting. The exhaust is expelled above the propeller hub, which
provides more prop bite when going astern, particularly useful for
backing out of shallow water. The anti-ventilation plate, just above the
propeller, aids in holding the boat on plane and preventing air from
being drawn into the propeller.
Trim and tilt adjustments are performed manually. The engine is equipped
with a manual tilt system that uses a pin in one of five adjustment
holes on the transom bracket. This allows the operator to select from
five different trim positions to optimize the boat's running angle for
various loads and water conditions.
The tilt system offers different up-and-down paths of the shallow drive
arm compared to previous models, with two shallow water drive positions
available for maneuvering in minimal water depths. When raised, it can
be locked securely at three positions. When lowered, it can be smoothly
moved to its lowest position without catching.
The DF6 is designed to use three-bladed aluminum propellers. The
propeller diameter is 190 mm (7.5 in). To accommodate different boat
types and loading conditions, a range of propeller pitches is available
from 6 to 7 inches.
The standard propeller for many applications is a 3 x 7.5 x 7
configuration. Selecting the correct pitch is crucial for allowing the
engine to operate within its recommended full-throttle RPM range of
4750-5750 for optimal performance and efficiency.
The overall length is 554.0 mm (21.8 in), overall width is 309.0 mm
(12.2 in). The short shaft model, designed for a 381 mm (15 in) transom,
has an overall height of 1064.0 mm (41.9 in) and a dry weight of 24.0 kg
(52.9 lbs). The long shaft model, for a 508 mm (20 in) transom, has an
overall height of 1190.0 mm (46.9 in) and a dry weight of 25.0 kg (55.1
lbs).
Every 100 hours of operation or annually, the following tasks should be
performed: change engine oil, change gear oil, check and clean the spark
plug (adjusting the gap to 0.7-0.8 mm or 0.028-0.031 in), inspect the
fuel line and breather for leaks or cracks, check the fuel filter,
inspect the condition of the sacrificial anodes, verify thermostat
operation, and check the carburetor, propeller nut, and cotter pin.
Every 200 hours, in addition to the 100-hour checks, the engine requires
inspection of the oil filter by an authorized dealer, inspection and
adjustment of valve clearance, checking and adjusting the idle speed,
and inspecting the water pump and its impeller.
Every 300 hours, the spark plug should be replaced with an NGK BPR6ES,
and the water pump impeller must be replaced to prevent cooling system
failure. Every 400 hours, the in-line fuel filter should be replaced.
Engine oil capacity is 0.70 L of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 oil meeting API SE
through SJ. Gearcase capacity is 0.19 L of Suzuki Outboard Motor Gear
Oil or GL5 SAE 90. Spark plug type is NGK BPR6ES with a gap of 0.7-0.8
mm. Valve clearance (cold) is 0.03-0.07 mm for both intake and exhaust.
Cylinder head bolt - 28-30 Nm (20.5-21.7 lb-ft)
Connecting rod cap bolt - 21 Nm (15.0 lb-ft)
Crankcase bolt - 10 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
Cylinder head cover bolt - 8 Nm (6.0 lb-ft)
Flywheel nut - 50 Nm (36.0 lb-ft)
Spark plug - 10-12 Nm (7.5-9.0 lb-ft)
Valve adjusting lock nut - 11 Nm (8.0 lb-ft)
Intake pipe bolt - 10 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
Carburetor mounting bolt - 10 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
Fuel pump mounting bolt - 8 Nm (6.0 lb-ft)
Engine oil drain plug - 10 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
Power unit mounting bolt - 10 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
Tiller handle pivot bolt - 12 Nm (8.5 lb-ft)
Gearcase bolt - 17 Nm (12.5 lb-ft)
Water pump case bolt - 8 Nm (6.0 lb-ft)
Propeller shaft bearing housing bolt - 8 Nm (6.0 lb-ft)
The Suzuki DF6 is engineered for a wide variety of small watercraft. Its
lightweight, compact, and portable nature make it an ideal primary power
source for small fishing boats, dinghies, tenders for larger yachts, and
inflatable craft. It is a popular choice for weekend leisure use, solo
boaters, and as a reliable auxiliary motor for small sailboats,
providing a source of slow-speed maneuvering power.
The DF6 delivers very good performance with a standard 7.5x7in alloy
prop, and the larger displacement power head allows it to push heavier
loads effectively. The engine is saltwater rated and suitable for use in
both freshwater and saltwater environments when properly maintained,
featuring Suzuki's special anti-corrosion treatment to protect against
corrosive elements.
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