A potential problem with Suzuki outboard engines

This boat was powered by Twin Suzuki DF-300s in 2016. The motors just hit 1000 hours, and the port motor decided to lose traction with the shaft splines on Christmas Day. The Starboard motor did the same thing many months back. When it failed the engine made a metallic noise and water impeller wasn’t spitting water. I am not a mechanic by any means.

[rjyoungjr]

For engines with or without grease fittings, just do normal 100hr or annual maintenance and grease the shaft and splines. I have owned and maintained boats for 30 years and never had a driveshaft issue. Proper maintenance is key.

[christopherfurr]

All outboards require spline grease on the drive shaft of the lower unit it should be done annually.

[gregstaton]

You got to be smarter than what you are working with. MAINTAINCE is the key

[ptuinman]

Looks familiar. Had the exact same thing with my '16 DF175AP's. Stripped splines on the driveshaft and corrosion issues due to grease not getting to where it's supposed to be. Happend at 1100, 1700 and 2200 hours. Every time fixed under warranty but the last time Suzuki found out this serie of engine did not have a gasket to prevent water intrusion which is coming up from underneath. Models that came after do have this part installed.
Maybe it was my own fault previously but it for sure is a point to inspect every so many hours.
Besides that, never had an issue.

[BrianUnAK]

Yes, my friend is currently rebuilding his Suzuki 200's because of this.

[rebekahbabich]

Hey Matt, thank you for the video. I was a victim of this yesterday. Is this part number 12730-98J02? Also, do you use grease or anti seize on your splines annually?

[razytgod]

1 year commercial all they gave me my 2017 went out 14 months about 2k hours major problem $80 part $2800 labor and usually a drive shaft is stripped

[oleogo]

This is caused by neglect. Your impeller will outlive the splines. You must pull lower unit every 50-100 hrs and grease the splines 😂

[andrewlee]

where is the grease zirk we need to look for

[captainscottlum]

What year is that Suzuki 300 and have they worked out the issue or made it easier to grease?

[glynnforde]

Never greased this spline on my pair of 2004 Yamaha 115s. Suzuki should fix

[robertorevelo]

Quiero el arnes completo de este motor fuera de borda suzuki 300 o el diagrama

[kylewalker]

they weren't greasing them from the factory... if you can believe it

[rjyoungjr]

How do u grease that area? Is that where the drive shaft splines slide into? I grease the top of my driveshaft yearly.