Typical mix ratio for two-stroke outboards? 50:1? And general maintenance question...

Is 50:1 the typical ratio for outboards?

I have a late 70's suzuki 5hp outboard.. thing looks brand new under the cover. has no stickers left on the outside and I can't find a model # anywhere.

As such is there a general mix ratio for two stroke outboards? I'm reading a lot of recommendations for 50:1 and just wondered if anyone else had an opinion on this.

Also, anyone recommend general neccesary mainteinance for this **** thing? It hasn't seen light since the 80's..

We fired it up after just a few pulls last night (after removing spark plugs, shooting with wd-40, hand cranking and letting sit for a day).

I imagine there is some crank case oil somewhere and maybe oil through the armature that leads to the propeller that should be changed? Is there an oil filter somewhere in the mix?

I appreciate your help and know these are some bonehead questions but I'm very new to the whole owning a boat thing... :-)

OH, and NEVER run the motor without it being in water, whether on muffs or in a tub or barrel of water. You should also probably have the water impeller on the cooling system changed.

50/1 is good. gear oil for lower unit. If its cloudy when you drain the old, you may have a bad seal.

heres a site to try, may answer a lot of your questions. http://www.outboardrepairs.com/suzuki/

ORIGINAL: npsinboro

Is 50:1 the typical ratio for outboards?

I have a late 70's suzuki 5hp outboard.. thing looks brand new under the cover. has no stickers left on the outside and I can't find a model # anywhere.

As such is there a general mix ratio for two stroke outboards? I'm reading a lot of recommendations for 50:1 and just wondered if anyone else had an opinion on this.

Also, anyone recommend general neccesary mainteinance for this **** thing? It hasn't seen light since the 80's..

We fired it up after just a few pulls last night (after removing spark plugs, shooting with wd-40, hand cranking and letting sit for a day).

I imagine there is some crank case oil somewhere and maybe oil through the armature that leads to the propeller that should be changed? Is there an oil filter somewhere in the mix?

I appreciate your help and know these are some bonehead questions but I'm very new to the whole owning a boat thing... :-)

If it has been sitting for more than a few years, it will need the impeller and lower unit lube changed. That's easily done by you if your somewhat mechanically inclined.

Also the carbs are more than likely gummed up. It will start and idle well, even run well at 1500-2000 rpms, but at full throttle it will bog down.

50:1 is the standard oil ratio as you said on most larger motors, not sure on a 5hp. Heavier amounts like 20:1 will eventually foul the plugs. Lighter than 50:1 will do more damage to other parts and possibly seize the powerhead over time.

Check the water coolant hoses near the spark plugs(they come up from the lower unit). Dry rot is common but easily fixed. Just cut off the hose in question and take it down to your local auto parts box store and they can give you rubber automotive fuel line hoses which work just as good or better than factory and are $1.40 per foot versus a marine dealers charge to you.

Good luck.

The oil you want it TC-W3.  Any kind of oil nowadays is good, so long as it is TC-W3.  Just pick one brand and stick to it.