Suzuki DF15 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 19

PROPELLER SELECTION
AND INSTALLATION
PROPELLER SELECTION
It is essential to use a propeller on your out-
board motor that is properly matched to your
boat's operating characteristics. The speed of
the engine when you operate your boat at full
throttle depends on the propeller you use.
Excessive engine speed can seriously damage
the motor, while low engine speed at full throttle
will adversely affect the performance. Your
operating load will also affect propeller selec-
tion. Smaller loads generally require larger-
pitch propellers; larger loads generally require
smaller-pitch propellers. Your authorized Suzuki
Marine Dealer will assist you in selecting a suit-
able propeller for your boat.
NOTICE
Installing a propeller with either too much
or too little pitch will cause incorrect
maximum engine speed, which may
result in severe damage to the motor.
Ask your authorized Suzuki marine
dealer to assist you in selecting a suit-
able propeller for your boat.
You can determine if your propeller is appropri-
ate for use with your boat by using a tachome-
ter to measure engine speed when operating
your boat at full throttle, under minimum load
conditions. If you are using an appropriate pro-
peller, the engine speed will be within the fol-
lowing range:
DF15
If the engine speed is not within this range, con-
sult your authorized Suzuki Marine Dealer to
determine which propeller size is best for you.
If you change propellers, be sure to perform the
above check again, to confirm that the engine
speed under full throttle is within the specified
range.
5400 – 6000
r/min. (min )
–1
PROPELLER INSTALLATION
 WARNING
Failure to take proper precautions when
installing or removing the propeller can
result in severe personal injury.
When installing or removing the propeller:
• Always shift into "Neutral" and remove
the emergency stop switch lock plate
so that the motor cannot be started
accidentally.
• Wear gloves to protect hands, and
"lock" the propeller by placing a block
of wood between the blades and the
anti-cavitation plate.
To install a propeller on your outboard motor,
use the following procedure:
1. Coat the propeller shaft splines 1 liberally
with Suzuki water resistant grease to help
prevent corrosion.
2. Place the stopper 2 on the shaft.
3. Align the propeller 3 with the propeller shaft
splines and slide the propeller onto the shaft.
4. Place the spacer 4 and washer 5 on the
shaft.
5. Install the propeller nut 6 and tighten it with
a torque wrench to 16 – 20 N·m (1.6 – 2.0
kg-m/12 – 14 lb-ft).
6. Align the grooves in the propeller nut with
the hole in the shaft, then insert the cotter
pin 7 and bend the pin ends over to lock it in
place.
To remove the propeller, reverse the above pro-
cedure.
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