East Marine — Authorized Tohatsu Parts Dealer in South Florida

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1869 S. Dixie Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST
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Outboard Motor Break-In Periods

Owner’s guide

Tohatsu Outboard Break-In Procedures

The following charts show the standard "break-in" periods for Tohatsu Outboards (2-stroke, 4-stroke and TLDI).

2-StrokeCarbureted outboards 4-StrokeOutboards TLDIDirect Injection outboards

2-Stroke Outboards (Carbureted)

All carbureted 2-strokes must run with "double-oil" during the break-in period (Does not apply to TLDI models. Please see the TLDI break-in chart listed below).

Normal use50:11 pint of oil for every 6 gallons of gas
During break-in25:12 pints of oil for every 6 gallons of gas

Normally your Tohatsu outboard uses a 50:1 oil/fuel mixture (1 pint of oil for every 6 gallons of gas). During the break-in period you should use a 25:1 oil/fuel mixture (2 pints of oil for every 6 gallons of gas). See our oil/fuel chart for more info on the 50:1/25:1 ratios.

Tohatsu 2-stroke outboards use TCW3 oil which is specially formulated for 2-stroke outboards. Do not use automotive motor oil or any other type of oil in your Tohatsu 2-stroke outboard.

ImportantWe do not recommend mixing different brands of oil (or even different kinds of oil of the same brand). The mixing of different brands of oil may cause gelling which may cause blockage of the filter screens. This could lead to serious engine damage due to the lack of lubrication.
Good to knowAs a result of running your outboard with a double-oil mixture, it is normal for your engine to emit more exhaust smoke than normal. You may also notice oil coming from around the prop and/or from the exhaust relief port hole (located near the top of the lower unit) during this period. This is completely normal and you should see this excess oil eliminated once you finish your break-in period and resume the normal 50:1 oil/fuel mixture.
After break-inAfter your break-in period has been completed, you should change your lower unit gear case oil.

2.5-3.5 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-3 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 500-3500 rpm
33-5 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm
4After 5 hrs Full throttle available –

5 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –

8-9.8 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –

15-18 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –

25-30 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –

40-50 hp

2-Stroke3 cyl
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: If your Tohatsu 40/50 hp 3-cylinder outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.

70-90 hp

2-Stroke3 cyl
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: If your Tohatsu 70/90 hp 3-cylinder outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.

115-140 hp

2-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: If your Tohatsu 115/140 hp outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.
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4-Stroke Outboards

Before first startCAUTION: Tohatsu 4-Stroke Outboards DO NOT come with engine oil already installed. You must add engine oil before attempting to start your 4-stroke outboard for the first time. Failure to do so will result in extensive damage to your outboard.

We recommend using Genuine Tohatsu FC-W 4-Cycle Outboard Oil (see our FAQs section for more information). Use unleaded gasoline only (89 octane or above is recommended).

After break-inAfter your break-in period has been completed, you should change your lower unit gear case oil.

2 & 3.5 hp

4-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm max
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –

4-5-6 hp

4-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm max
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: This outboard is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp. When the warning lamp is off, it indicates that sufficient oil pressure is present. If the warning lamp is on (red light is on) or blinking on and off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If oil level is at the appropriate levels, consult your Tohatsu dealer for assistance. Never run your outboard if the warning lamp is on or blinking on/off.

8-20 hp

4-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm max
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: This outboard is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp. When the warning lamp is off, it indicates that sufficient oil pressure is present. If the warning lamp is on (red light is on) or blinking on and off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If oil level is at the appropriate levels, consult your Tohatsu dealer for assistance. Never run your outboard if the warning lamp is on or blinking on/off.

25-30 hp

4-Stroke
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-2 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm max
32-3 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
43-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: This outboard is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp. When the warning lamp is off, it indicates that sufficient oil pressure is present. If the warning lamp is on (red light is on) or blinking on and off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If oil level is at the appropriate levels, consult your Tohatsu dealer for assistance. Never run your outboard if the warning lamp is on or blinking on/off.
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TLDI (Direct Injection) Outboards

TLDI models are direct fuel injection 2-strokes (no carburetors), therefore, break-in procedures will vary from a standard carbureted 2-stroke outboard.

40-50 hp

TLDI
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-1 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
31-2 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
42-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: Do not mix oil with fuel. TLDI models do not require pre-mixing of oil/fuel during break-in or during normal operation.

70-115 hp

TLDI
Running timeThrottle positionSpeed
11-10 min Idle –
210 min-1 hrs Less than 1/2 throttle Approx. 3000 rpm
31-2 hrs Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
42-10 hrs 3/4 throttle Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
5After 10 hrs Full throttle available –
Note: Do not mix oil with fuel. TLDI models do not require pre-mixing of oil/fuel during break-in or during normal operation.
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