SUZUKI 20 HP DF20AS2 OUTBOARD MOTOR

Description

The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale on this page is the lightest, plainest and cheapest way into Suzuki’s 20 HP four stroke. It is new in the carton, with pull-cord start, tiller steering, a 15 inch short shaft and manual tilt, in black. The price is shown, and we ship worldwide.

Plain is not a criticism. Fewer parts means fewer things to fail, less to carry and less to pay for. At about 97 lb it is the lightest 20 HP in the Suzuki tiller range, and many boat owners buy it for exactly that reason.

The sections below cover the numbers, the thinking behind the model code, who should buy this version and who should not, and how to set up and look after it. Delivery is quoted before you pay.

Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale: Specifications

Production runs vary a little, so the figures in the carton win. You can browse the rest of Suzuki’s small engines on the official 2.5 to 30 HP outboard page.

The Case for Choosing the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

Start with weight when you look at the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale. At 97 lb it is 8 lb lighter than the electric start version and 11 lb lighter than the long shaft one. On a car-top boat, a dinghy davit or a lifting bracket, that matters every single trip.

Then there is cost. No starter motor, no battery, no cables, no power tilt. You buy an engine and a fuel tank, and you go boating. For a spare boat, a seasonal boat or a hire fleet, that is a strong argument.

Finally, reliability in a simple sense. A starter motor can fail, a battery can die and a wire can corrode. A pull cord does none of those. Suzuki’s injection also runs without a battery, so there is no reason this engine will not start if you have fuel and a spark.

Who Should Skip the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

It is not the right engine for everyone. If you have a bad shoulder or back, if you are small and the boat is a stand-up one, or if you stop and restart many times in a day, choose electric start. The Suzuki DF20AES2 adds a button for a modest price difference.

If the boat has a tall transom, the short shaft will ventilate. Look at the Suzuki DF20AEL2, which is the long shaft electric model. And if you like a white cowl to match the boat, the Suzuki DF20ASW2 is the same engine in white.

Decoding the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

DF stands for Suzuki four stroke and 20 is the horsepower. The A marks the current generation of small engines. S is the 15 inch short shaft. The 2 is the production series.

The letters that are not there tell you the rest. No E, so no electric start. No T, so no power tilt. No L, so the shaft is not 20 inches. No W, so the cowl is black.

How to Pull Start the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

A good technique makes the cord easy on the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale. Put the gear lever in neutral and clip on the lanyard. Squeeze the primer bulb until it is firm, if the fuel line has been off. Set the throttle grip as the manual says for starting. Take hold of the cord handle, pull slowly until you feel the compression, then give a long, firm pull along the line of the cord, not upward.

Do not yank sideways. That wears the cord guide. Do not let the cord snap back, since the handle can hit the cowl or your hand. On a cold day it may take a second or third pull. After that, the engine settles and idles by itself.

If you do ten pulls and nothing happens, stop. Check the lanyard, neutral, tank vent, fuel connection and the plug cap. The cause is almost always one of those.

Boats That Suit the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

Small aluminium boats

A 12 to 15 foot aluminium fishing boat with a 15 inch transom is the classic match. The engine gets it on plane with two adults and a load of gear.

Inflatables and dinghies

Larger inflatables and RIBs with a short transom take this engine happily. Check the plate for the weight and power limits.

Tenders and workboats

A tender that goes ashore a couple of times a day needs a light, reliable engine, not a heavy one. This one is.

Rental and hire fleets

A fleet owner wants simple engines. No batteries to charge, no tilt units, no wiring faults. The engine is simple and cheap to maintain.

Spare engines

Some owners keep a pull start 20 as a back-up for a bigger engine on a boat that goes far from shore.

On the Water

The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale idles evenly and is quiet for a 20. Exhaust goes through the prop hub, so most of the sound stays under water. Open the throttle and a light boat will climb onto the plane without drama. A heavier hull needs the right prop to get going.

We do not quote speeds or fuel burn. These depend on the hull, load, prop and weather. The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale works within a range of 5,000 to 6,000 rpm at full throttle, and the rev limiter protects it if the prop comes out of the water.

Setting Up the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

Before fitting the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale, make sure the transom is sound. Clamp the engine and tighten the screws evenly. Fit a safety chain. Set the anti-ventilation plate level with the bottom of the hull and test. If the prop blows out in turns, lower the engine one notch. If it throws a lot of spray, raise it.

The five tilt pin positions let you adjust the angle of the leg. A more upright leg lowers the bow. A leg tilted further back raises it. Try different positions with your usual load.

Propeller Advice

The standard three-blade aluminium prop on the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale suits light loads. For heavier boats, a high thrust propeller improves the hole shot. Judge by rpm at full throttle: 5,000 to 6,000 is the target. Below it, reduce the pitch. Above it, increase it.

Genuine propellers are listed on Suzuki’s genuine parts and accessories pages. Send us your boat details and we will suggest a starting point.

Break-In

Follow the break-in guide in the manual for your Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale. Keep revs varied and avoid holding full throttle for long in the first hours. Change the engine oil and gear oil at the first service. The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale will repay the effort with years of easy starting.

Service Checklist for the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

• Flush after trips in salt, brackish or dirty water.
• Change the engine oil and filter on schedule, or once a year.
• Change the gear oil each season.
• Replace the impeller every two to three seasons.
• Replace anodes at half wear.
• Check the cord, the cord guide and the recoil spring for wear.
• Replace fuel filters and use fresh fuel.
• Check plugs and valve clearance at the manual’s intervals.

With no starter or battery, the list is shorter than for the electric engines. Most owners do it themselves.

Salt Water and Storage

The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale is rated for salt water and has a multi-layer finish. Rinse it after each use and wipe the cowl. Store it upright and drained. Stabilise the fuel for long storage, change the oil, and cover the engine. In cold climates, drain the cooling water before frost.

Running Costs of the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

The purchase price is only the start. Over five years the costs that matter are fuel, oil, a few filters, an impeller and a set of anodes. All of those are cheap on a small four stroke. A yearly service with basic tools takes an afternoon.

Because the engine has no starter, battery or power tilt, there are fewer wear items than on the electric models. You will not replace a starter solenoid or a battery in year three. That saving is part of why fleet buyers and budget owners pick the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale over the dearer versions.

We will not publish fuel figures. They depend on your boat, your load and your habits. A light boat run gently uses little. A heavy boat pushed hard uses much more. The honest comparison is against the old two stroke you may be replacing, and owners tell us the four stroke wins easily, because it burns no oil and idles on a trickle of fuel.

Choosing a Fuel Tank and Line for the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

A portable tank of 12 litres or more is the usual choice. Use a tank with a proper vent, a clean pickup and a connector that matches the engine. Check the fuel line for cracks, since old rubber hoses harden and leak air, which causes surging and stalling.

Keep the tank clean. A few drops of water in the tank are enough to stop a small outboard. If you buy fuel in a place where quality is poor, fit an inline filter with a water trap between the tank and the engine. Replace it every year.

Cord Care and Common Pull Start Wear

The cord is the one part that sees repeated mechanical stress. Inspect it every season. If it is frayed, replace it. A cord that breaks on the water is a nuisance, and you can avoid it with a ten minute job.

Keep a spare cord and a small handle in your kit. Learn how to restring the recoil starter by reading the manual once at home, not on the water in a rising wind. The recoil spring should return the cord with a firm snap. A weak return means the spring is tired.

If the cord feels loose, the starter pawl may be worn. That is a job for a workshop, and Suzuki dealers stock the parts. Mention the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale model code when you order and the right pawl comes out of the right box.

Thinking About a Second Engine

Many boat owners on lakes and coastal waters carry a small back-up engine. A 20 HP is overkill for a kicker, but a lighter 6 or 9.9 HP engine can be a good choice when the main engine is larger. In a small boat, though, this 20 may be the main engine itself.

If the water is cold, remote or empty, a second engine is a very good idea. Fit it on a bracket, run it for ten minutes each month to keep it healthy, and keep its fuel fresh. Two engines never fail on the same day.

Boat Plate, Insurance and Local Rules

The maximum power on the boat plate is not a suggestion. If your boat is rated for 15 HP, a 20 HP engine can void insurance and break local rules. If it is rated for 20 or more, you are fine. Some regions also restrict engines above a certain power on lakes and rivers, or require a licence above 15 HP. Check with your local authority before you buy.

Weight limits matter too. The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale is light for its power, which helps. But weight on the transom still changes how the boat floats, so test the trim with a load before you head out.

Tools and Kit for the First Season

• A plug spanner and a spare plug
• A spare propeller, nut and split pin
• A grease gun cartridge or tube for the swivel
• A small bottle of gear oil and a funnel
• A spare fuel filter
• A spare shear pin or prop hub kit if your propeller needs it
• A cord and handle

That list costs little and covers nearly every fault you can fix on the water.

Trolling and Slow Speed Work With the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

Anglers often ask whether a 20 HP engine will troll slowly without fouling the plugs or stalling. A fuel injected four stroke does this better than the old carburettor motors. It holds a steady low idle in gear, and the 2.08:1 gearing keeps the propeller turning slowly without much vibration.

Set the throttle friction so it does not creep, and keep the boat trimmed level. A small boat at trolling speed is easily pushed off line by wind, so use the tiller tension control to stop the handle swinging. If the engine tends to stall at the lowest idle in cold weather, let it warm for a few minutes before engaging gear.

Handling Shallow Water

The shallow water drive setting lets you tilt the leg to a partly raised position and still run the engine slowly. Use it to cross sandbars, creek mouths and weed. Keep the revs low, watch the tell-tale for a steady stream of water and go back to the normal position in deeper water.

Do not run the engine with the water intake near the surface at higher revs. The impeller will starve, the engine will overheat, and the alarm will sound. On a short shaft boat the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale already sits high, so be careful when you add weight at the back.

Cold Starts and Warm-Up

There is no choke. The injection adds extra fuel when the engine is cold. Pull the cord and let it idle for a minute or two until it runs evenly. If the air is below freezing, give it a little longer, and keep the first few minutes gentle.

Never rev a cold engine hard. The oil is thick and has not reached every bearing. A calm start and a short warm-up is the cheapest engine protection there is.

Tying Up and Leaving the Engine on the Boat

If you leave the boat afloat, tilt the engine up so the gearcase is out of the water. Marine growth and corrosion attack a leg left in the water all season. Fit a lock if the boat sits somewhere public. Outboards are an easy target for thieves, and a small hardened lock through the clamps costs less than a day’s fuel.

Common Problems and Quick Checks

Will not start. Check the lanyard, neutral, tank vent and fuel line.

Starts then dies. Dirty fuel or a blocked vent. Open the vent and change the filter.

Stiff cord. Check the engine is in neutral and the lanyard is in place. If it stays stiff, stop and have it checked.

Weak tell-tale. Clear the outlet and inspect the impeller.

Will not reach full revs. Prop too big or boat overloaded.

Shipping and Delivery

The Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale ships in its factory carton. We quote delivery to your door, nearest port or airport before you pay. After dispatch you receive tracking, and we supply the export papers your customs office needs. If you have a forwarder, we can hand the carton to them.

Warranty

The engine comes with Suzuki factory warranty paperwork. The term depends on your region and on how the engine is registered and used. Ask us about cover in your country before ordering.

What Is in the Carton

• Suzuki DF20AS2 powerhead, midsection and gearcase
• Owner’s manual and warranty documents
• Factory fittings

Fuel tank, line and propeller depend on stock. Ask us before ordering and we will say what is included.

Before You Order the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

• Measure your transom for a 15 inch shaft.
• Check the boat’s maximum power and engine weight.
• Decide if pull-cord starting suits you.
• Think about a fuel tank, a spare prop and a safety chain.
• Tell us your country for a delivery quote.

Buying the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale From Us

Every engine we sell is new, the price is shown on this page, and you see the delivery quote before you pay. Read our refund and return policy and terms and conditions, see what buyers say on the reviews page, learn about us, or use the contact page to send us your boat details.

More Suzuki Outboards to Compare

• All 20 HP Suzuki outboards
• Suzuki DF20ASW2, white, pull start
• Suzuki DF20AES2, electric start
• Suzuki DF20AEL2, electric start, 20 inch
• Suzuki DF20AS5, newer series
• Suzuki DF15AS2, 15 HP
• Suzuki DF25AS5, 25 HP
• All Suzuki outboards
• The full shop

Our blog has more guides on small outboards, and Suzuki’s global marine site shows the worldwide range.

FAQ: Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale

Is the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale new?

Yes, new and boxed, with Suzuki paperwork.

What shaft length is the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale?

15 inch, the S short shaft.

Is the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale pull start?

Yes. For electric start, choose the DF20AES2.

How heavy is the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale?

Suzuki lists 97 lb, or 44 kg.

Does it need a battery?

No. The injection runs without one.

Do you ship the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale to my country?

We ship worldwide. Send us your location for a quote.

Final Word

If you want the lightest, simplest and best value 20 HP Suzuki tiller engine, the Suzuki DF20AS2 for sale does the job without extras you may never use. Order it today, or send us your boat details and we will check the fit first.