03-20-2004, 05:39 AM
I had a 1978 Suzuki 50 hp until last year. During those 25 years of hard and frequent use, I never had a single problem with the engine because of the good maintenance I gave it every fall. The only thing ever had to do was replace a choke solinoid. I always replace the fuel filter and spark plugs, put fuel stabilizer and fresh fuel in the tank, and run it through the system. I would change the lower unit fluid and replace the drain plug gaskets. I then used storage spray (fogging oil) through the carburator throat to coat the internal parts with oil to prevent corrosion from moisture condensation. Then I spray the entire engine, inside the cowling and out with a light coating of WD-40. In the spring I would wipe off the residual WD-40, clean and shine things up, and that little baby would start right up every time, although with the fogging oil you would have to clean the plugs after the oil burns off. It takes a little time, but it is worth it. In those 25 years my maintenance costs were probably under a couple of hundred dollars.
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