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  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2021
    Location
    Clovis California
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    190

    Maintaining a 250ss

    Im considering a Blazer 625 Pro Elite with a 250ss. I know they're thought to be extremely reliable, but i can't help but wonder how it would be to keep one running if problems arose.

    Are parts hard to get? Lower units expensive to replace? Etc

    There are a few good shops not too far from me for warranty work, but just wanted to hear peoples experiences with working on them and getting parts.

    Thanks

  2. Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Carrollton, VA
    Posts
    1,136
    #2
    They are fairly simple to work on IMO. There are no water filter screens like the Mercuries have. Spark plugs and fuel filters are easy and access to the plugs is easy. I did have to wait a few months to get a new prop shaft, but that was during COVID, but never had a problem for maintenance oarts.

    I’m unsure how expensive it is to get a new lower unit. I purchased a spare one on this board for $2k, but never had a need to use it. The biggest maintenance is to check and clean the anodes and replacing the plugs once a year since it does like to ear plugs.
    2018 Bass Cat Lynx w/Suzuki 250SS.

  3. Member
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    New Iberia, Louisiana
    Posts
    454
    #3
    The df250ss Suzuki is about as close to perfect as you can get. However, it can be destroyed. Blown power heads and failed gear cases do exist. Ethanol fuel, and unqualified technicians or your greatest adversaries. lack of use or untreated ethanol fuel will contaminate internal rubber components of entire fuel system. Something as simple as a traditional gear oil change must be performed in the correct manner. Otherwise the upper drive shaft bearing will fail immediately. The gear case must be burped or allowed for the oil level to come down before installation of the upper screw. I have seen bent connecting rods in cylinder, five and six along with broken connecting rods due to water ingestion from excessive stern weight or high reverse speeds. This is not a warranty or defect issue. This is a rigging issue or operator error. This would be an owner insurance policy claim. if I was to look at the DF 250 SS and have to pick up a true defect it would have to be the IAC valve/idle air control. They really need to upgrade it. obtaining a propeller takes a little longer than traditional 186 or 187 ratio gear cases. Suzuki four stroke motors like to have at least a 16 inch diameter propeller. If you were to use a 14 1/4 or a 14 3/8 diameter propeller you would require something in a 27 to 32 pitch, obtaining the correct propeller for your satisfaction should be left up to you and the dealer. Absolutely awesome motor be careful.

  4. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Bangor Maine
    Posts
    745
    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by mcyama View Post
    The df250ss Suzuki is about as close to perfect as you can get. However, it can be destroyed. Blown power heads and failed gear cases do exist. Ethanol fuel, and unqualified technicians or your greatest adversaries. lack of use or untreated ethanol fuel will contaminate internal rubber components of entire fuel system. Something as simple as a traditional gear oil change must be performed in the correct manner. Otherwise the upper drive shaft bearing will fail immediately. The gear case must be burped or allowed for the oil level to come down before installation of the upper screw. I have seen bent connecting rods in cylinder, five and six along with broken connecting rods due to water ingestion from excessive stern weight or high reverse speeds. This is not a warranty or defect issue. This is a rigging issue or operator error. This would be an owner insurance policy claim. if I was to look at the DF 250 SS and have to pick up a true defect it would have to be the IAC valve/idle air control. They really need to upgrade it. obtaining a propeller takes a little longer than traditional 186 or 187 ratio gear cases. Suzuki four stroke motors like to have at least a 16 inch diameter propeller. If you were to use a 14 1/4 or a 14 3/8 diameter propeller you would require something in a 27 to 32 pitch, obtaining the correct propeller for your satisfaction should be left up to you and the dealer. Absolutely awesome motor be careful.
    MCYAMA, great post. I don't mean to highjack this post, but I am new to Suzuki. Read LOTS of posts that back up your opinion on the Suzuki motor. I have the 250SS motor with 80 hours on it and my initial test runs have been impressive (keep in mind I am coming from a stock basic Merc Four Stroke 150 HP). My question is, based on your reply are you suggesting that Suzuki is harder to maintain that the other big three Merc, Yamaha and Honda, to keep them running properly and for a long period of time? My Merc was EXTREMELY reliable. Basic maintenance at the end of every season, proper fuel maintenance, and it was turn the key and go. Should I be concerned that the Suzuki will require a different type of maintenance plan/handling? I live in Maine, so the boat is used pretty heavily May through October, and then it gets winterized for a long nap, until the following April... Should I be concerned that this motor will require a "special" maintenance to keep it running properly over the long haul??

  5. Member
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    New Iberia, Louisiana
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    454
    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by MainelySmallmouth View Post
    MCYAMA, great post. I don't mean to highjack this post, but I am new to Suzuki. Read LOTS of posts that back up your opinion on the Suzuki motor. I have the 250SS motor with 80 hours on it and my initial test runs have been impressive (keep in mind I am coming from a stock basic Merc Four Stroke 150 HP). My question is, based on your reply are you suggesting that Suzuki is harder to maintain that the other big three Merc, Yamaha and Honda, to keep them running properly and for a long period of time? My Merc was EXTREMELY reliable. Basic maintenance at the end of every season, proper fuel maintenance, and it was turn the key and go. Should I be concerned that the Suzuki will require a different type of maintenance plan/handling? I live in Maine, so the boat is used pretty heavily May through October, and then it gets winterized for a long nap, until the following April... Should I be concerned that this motor will require a "special" maintenance to keep it running properly over the long haul??
    Absolutely not! This is probably the most common sense 250 hp outboard motor currently produced on the market today. Design and construction began over 20 years ago.Over 95% of original components are still being utilized on 2025 models. There is nothing at all finicky about a Suzuki df250. familiarity with manufactures recommended service schedule will assure you many years on impeded operation and memories.

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Bangor Maine
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    745
    #6
    Quote Originally Posted by mcyama View Post
    Absolutely not! This is probably the most common sense 250 hp outboard motor currently produced on the market today. Design and construction began over 20 years ago.Over 95% of original components are still being utilized on 2025 models. There is nothing at all finicky about a Suzuki df250. familiarity with manufactures recommended service schedule will assure you many years on impeded operation and memories.
    That's awesome. I'm pretty excited to see how it performs.

  7. Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
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    Insomnia, near Seaford Delaware
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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by MainelySmallmouth View Post
    That's awesome. I'm pretty excited to see how it performs.
    It'll let you tow those Merc's and Yammies back in like they weren't even tied on.