Lean Burn for smaller Suzukis

According to Suzuki, the Lean Burn Control System predicts fuel needs according to operating conditions. This allows the engine to run on a more efficient fuel mixture through the use of a lean air fuel ratio. A normal petrol engine will run with an air fuel ratio of 14.7:1, whereas a Lean Burn system can increase this ratio to a far higher point with a significant increase in fuel efficiency. The Lean Burn process requires fuel to be injected into the cylinder at a precisely controlled rate and volume.

This creates a longer burn time and a more controlled explosion of the fuel, over the full downward stroke of the piston. This in turn means that there is power over the whole combustion stroke and subsequently a more efficient and complete burning of all the fuel available; leading to more power for less fuel and lower emissions.

Suzuki claim that their system differs from those of other manufacturers as it has been developed so that it delivers these benefits over a wide operating range, providing significant improvements in fuel economy from low speed operation into the cruising range.

Suzuki’s own testing claims that the new generation DF40A and DF50A outboards use 23% less fuel than the previous 40hp and 50hp models, mainly in the cruising range, which is where the engine is used for the majority of the time. The company’s DF300AP and DF140A are both 14% more fuel-efficient than the original models.

By Jake Frith