The serial number on a Suzuki outboard reflects coded information about when the motor was made and what type of motor it is. This is important to know when ordering parts for your Suzuki motor. The serial number is printed on a plate that is attached to the clamp bracket on the motor. The form of the serial number is a five-digit number followed by a hyphen, then a six-digit number. On the 1977 through 1979 models, the part after the hyphen starts with a letter, followed by five numbers.
Check the five-digit prefix of the serial number. This is the part before the hyphen. The prefix represents the model of the outboard. It is different for each type of motor, even those with the same horsepower.
Check the six digits of the serial number after the hyphen. For 1977 through 1979 models, the first digit is a letter. All later models use the first two numbers to represent the year the motor was manufactured. Compare the numbers or letters with the charts in the link under References.
Check the last four numbers of the part of the serial number after the hyphen. This is the unique number for your specific outboard.