OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions on Other Engines Suzuki 2 stroke ease of starting

Hi folks, thought I would ask here on the ease of starting a Suzuki 2 stroke.

My step father, who is nearing 72, owns a Rover Procut 560 with the above engine. I was at his place on the weekend due to the mower playing up. I got it sorted for him as it wouldn't start at all.

When cold it takes up to 5 decent pulls to get going. Dad says this is usual. It is a fair strain on him to get it running. Once running it does run well.

Before I pull things apart, are these things a one pull start when in tip top shape? If they are I'll give it a good going over, if not maybe an engine change is on the cards. From my brief inspection, the carb bowl was spotless, the plug was fine and compression is excellent.

I didn't pull the carb down, just removed the bowl. I also checked the throttle linkage worked through its full movement engaging the choke etc.

Hi, Aldo. That engine has a reputation for being tricky to get running perfectly unless it is prepared very meticulously. Because of that a lot of people seem to take a dislike to them, but I'm told they are very nice indeed if you take the trouble. You can read about the whole thing in considerable detail in this thread:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49918#Post49918

Thanks Grumpy. Ill certainly give the carb a decent going over. Hopefully it will be easy as the mower is a one owner in immaculate condition.

I'll look forward to your report, Aldo. Remember, it seems to be critically important that the choke closes perfectly, which it may not after a while due to friction in the mechanism and the Bowden cable. If it isn't hunting, it's just a bit hard to start, that sounds a lot more like a choke adjustment issue than a full carburetor teardown.

Not that I want to talk you out of a carburetor teardown if you'd enjoy it. That Mikuni is so finicky and difficult to clean, that having another report on it would be very useful in the archives.

I have been pretty busy this year and haven't had a chance at this Suzuki.

The step dads shoulders are now completely cactus and he's been getting mum to start this thing and she says it's ridiculous so I raced up and grabbed the mower and did this instead while I take my time to sort this Suzuki out.



I just used a piece of aluminium plate and U bolts so that the whole thing can be reversed with no sign of modification except for 4 small holes drilled into the handlebars, two for the key/throttle mech and two for the snorkel.


I sourced an old snorkel because I know he is dodgey with his maintenance.






I run a smear of Permatex on all the dipstick bases on my Briggs. Does a good job of stopping the weep they develop.


This 1996 model engine runs a treat. I have used it a couple of times and it really powers along. I am getting used to electric start. I connected a set of leads to the battery so he can just plug his charger straight in.

I pulled the head off and the cylinder looked very tidy. Valve clearances were fine so I cleaned the head and piston top, put a new gasket on and it is fine to keep him out of trouble.

Hi I was reading through your post and thought you could try this simple little thing on the Suzuki that seems to work a treat for a bit easier starting on these is to close the plug gap up just a little bit, I have had them go from 6 or 7 pulls to 2 just by doing this so it may help you with your problem.