Outboard Motor Break-In Periods
The following charts show the standard "break-in" periods for Tohatsu Outboards (2-stroke, 4-stroke and TLDI).
2-Stroke Outboards | 4-Stroke Outboards | TLDI (Direct 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). 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. We 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.
As 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 the 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 your break-in period has been completed, you should change your lower unit gear case oil.
|
2.5-3.5 hp (2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-3 hrs
|
3-5 hrs
|
After 5 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle |
Less than 3/4 throttle |
Full throttle available |
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 500-3500
rpm |
Approx. 4000 rpm |
|
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|
5 hp (2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
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|
8-9.8 hp (2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
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|
15-18 hp (2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
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|
25-30 hp (2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
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|
40-50 hp
(2-Str/3 cyl)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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|
70-90 hp
(2-Str/3 cyl)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min.
|
Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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|
115-140 hp
(2-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
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
CAUTION: 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 your break-in period has been completed, you should change your lower unit gear case oil.
|
2 & 3.5 hp (4-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm max
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
|
4-5-6 hp (4-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm max
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
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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|
8-20 hp (4-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm max
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
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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|
25-30 hp (4-Str)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-2 hrs
|
2-3 hrs
|
3-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm max.
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min.
|
Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.
|
|
|
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)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-1 hrs
|
1-2 hrs
|
2-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
Note:Do not mix oil with fuel. TLDI models do not require pre-mixing of oil/fuel during break-in or during normal operation.
|
|
Back to Top
|
70-115 hp
(TLDI)
|
1-10 min
|
10 min-1 hrs
|
1-2 hrs
|
2-10 hrs
|
After 10 hrs
|
|
Throttle Position
|
Idle
|
Less than 1/2 throttle
|
Less than 3/4 throttle
|
3/4 throttle
|
Full throttle available
|
|
Speed
|
|
Approx. 3000
rpm
|
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min every 10 min
|
Approx. 4000 rpm.
Full throttle run allowed for 2 min every 10 min
|
|
|
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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