Outboard FAQs

1. How can I get a replacement owner's manual for my Tohatsu outboard?

Tohatsu outboard owner's manuals are available for downloading from our website at no charge. The manuals are in Adobe Acrobat "PDF" format. Replacement printed owner's manuals can be ordered through our website.

There is no one simple answer to this question. There are many factors which must be taken into account, most importantly is to never exceed the horsepower rating of the boat. Other factors to be taken into account are the weight of the boat, weight of passengers/gear, and your expected use of the boat (do you want to water ski? troll around your local lake? etc).

As with trying to choose the right horsepower, choosing the right propeller to fit your needs requires you to take a number of factors into account. We have put together a detailed section regarding propellers to help you determine which is the best prop for the job. Please bear in mind that there is no one magic answer that will absolutely guarantee that the prop you choose will give you the performance you expect; sometimes it's simply a matter of trying different props to determine which one will work best for your particular application.

You will need to contact us to order any replacement parts; Tohatsu only sells through the dealer network. You can also use Search Window on the Top Left or Browse through the Tohatsu/Nissan Categories . Please see How To Find Your Parts and How We Process the Orders sections.

With the exception of our outboards which have oil injection systems, Tohatsu 2-stroke outboards require a 50:1 (2.5 ounces of oil for each gallon of gas) oil/gas mixture after the initial break-in period. Tohatsu outboards which have oil injection will automatically mix the correct amount of oil and gas depending on the engine requirements; you don't have to pre-mix your oil & gas with these systems. We've put together a handy chart to help you calculate the amount of oil/gas to mix.

For your 2-stroke outboard, be sure and use only 2-cycle outboard oil, with an NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) certified rating of TCW3. Never, never, never use automobile oil in your 2-stroke outboard. You can find Tohatsu 2-stroke outboard motor oil at our local location or purchase on out web site.

TLDI outboards should only be run using TCW3 oil specifically formulated for use in Direct Injection motors. Standard TCW3 oil is not recommended for use in TLDI outboards. The following oils have been tested by our factory and certified for use in TLDI motors:

• Tohatsu Complete Advantage 100% Synthetic Oil

• Tohatsu Premium TCW3 Semi-Synthetic Oil

• Nissan Marine Complete Advantage 100% Synthetic Oil

• Nissan Marine Premium TCW3 Semi-Synthetic Oil

• Pennzoil 100% Marine Synthetic

• Pennzoil Semi-Synthetic Outboard Oil

• Mercury Optimax/DFI Oil

• Yamaha Yamalube 2-M Semi-Synthetic Injector Oil

• Bombardier XD-50 Semi-Synthetic Oil

• Bombardier XD-100 Full-Synthetic Oil

The above oil brands are currently the only brands that have been tested and approved by our factory for use in TLDI systems. Brand names listed are trademarked by their respective owners.

For your 4-stroke outboard, you should use Genuine Tohatsu FC-W 4-Cycle Oil. Tohatsu FC-W 4-Cycle Oil is NMMA Certified and has been specially formulated to handle the higher RPM's that outboards are subjected to, as well as special rust inhibitors to combat the harsh operating conditions of the marine environment. Genuine Tohatsu Oil reduces friction & wear and ensures the internal components are properly lubricated for optimum performance. If Tohatsu 4-Cycle Oil is not available we recommend using an NMMA Certified FC-W 4-cycle oil formulated for use in outboard engines. Look for oils bearing the FC-W trademark.

Your Tohatsu 4-stroke outboard is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp (except for 2hp, 2.5hp & 3.5hp). 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/off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If the oil level is at the appropriate level and the light continues to stay on or blink, consult your local dealer for assistance (do not use your outboard until a dealer has corrected the problem).

You may notice the engine oil warning lamp come on when you first start your outboard. This is normal and should go off after a few seconds.

The minimum octane rating that you should use is 87, however, we recommend using gas with an octane rating of 89 or higher.

Immediately shut down your outboard! Do not start your engine back up until the problem is corrected or you will overheat and severely damage your engine. First check the water intake on your lower unit and make sure that it is unobstructed. If the water intake is clear then chances are your water pump impeller needs to be replaced or you have an obstruction inside your lower unit. Take your outboard to your nearest dealer for inspection.

You should inspect your water pump impeller each year before taking your boat out on the water. We recommend you change your impeller every year at a minimum depending on the amount of use you put on your outboard. One thing to remember is that even if you only use your outboard a couple of times a year you still need to have your impeller checked/replaced every year. Water pump impellers are made from rubber and will deteriorate over time even without being used (commonly referred to as "dry rot"); this can be just as damaging to your water pump as wear and tear.

Yes, simply press in the "button" where the lanyard cord attaches to the outboard. This will shut off the engine without having to remove the lanyard cord.

Yes. The lower unit gear oil has already been added at the factory, however, you should check to ensure it is completely full before starting your outboard for the first time. To replace/add lower unit oil we recommend any SAE 80 or 90 weight oil. You may also want to check out our web page giving you step-by-step instructions on how to change and check the oil in your lower unit.

NO!!! Tohatsu 4-stroke outboards are not filled with oil from the factory. Before you start your 4-stroke outboard you must add oil to the crankcase. If you do not add oil, you will severely damage your outboard. Running a 4-stroke without crankcase oil would be like running your car without oil...the engine will seize up and you will end up having to replace the engine block/powerhead (this type of damage is not covered under warranty). Please consult your owner's manual for the proper oil type and amount to add and for the proper break-in and operating procedures.

Measure from the top of your transom to the bottom of your keel. If it is from 15" to 17" long you'll need to get a Tohatsu outboard with a "short" shaft. If it is from 20" to 22" long you'll need our "long" shaft outboard. Tohatsu outboard shafts are measured from the bottom of the engine mounting bracket to the cavitation plate on the lower unit. Generally most boats need either a short or long shaft although some boats require a 25" shaft (ultra-long shaft) outboard.

Please note that depending on the particular model, some Tohatsu shaft lengths may be 2" longer than "standard" (ie: a short shaft may be 17" instead of 15" and a long shaft may be 22" instead of 20"). Therefore, depending on the configuration of your keel, the shaft length required by your boat may be different than the above recommendation. We recommend that you consult with your local dealer to determine which is the correct shaft length for your particular boat.

The break-in period is the most critical time in the life of your Tohatsu outboard. Correct operation during the break-in period will prolong the life of your new outboard and will ensure optimum performance. Properly breaking-in your new outboard will ensure the initial smooth operation and lubrication of all moving parts (pistons, gears, bearings, etc). For a complete list of break-in procedures for all Tohatsu outboards (both 2-stroke and 4-stroke) click here.

Please see the picture below

The EPA emissions label on the side of the outboard shows the year the outboard was manufactured, however, this should not be confused with the "Model Year" of the outboard. The model year starts at different times than the calendar year, therefore, it is possible the emissions label will show the motor produced in one year, but the MSO shows a later model year. For example, an emissions label may show a motor was produced in 2006, but the MSO may show that it is a 2007 model year outboard.

Yes...all Tohatsu outboards are designed to be used in both saltwater or freshwater applications. Tohatsu outboards are used worldwide by commercial fishermen whose main application is saltwater usage. To help combat the corrosive effects of saltwater, all Tohatsu outboards are treated with a unique paint process which includes starting with marine grade aluminum alloy and then applying a high solid epoxy primer undercoat and then a high solid acrylic resin coat of paint. In addition, critical parts are made of stainless steel and all outboards include a zinc anode. As with any outboard used in saltwater, it is recommended you thoroughly flush your motor with freshwater after each use.