Outboard dimemma

[GrahamM376]

I must admit I am leaning towards the Tohatsu on the basis that nothing can leak out in the car, it's lighter and more powerful. The other benefits that the Suzuki offers are fairly inconsequential by comparison.

I've never really used a 2 stroke outboard much...can someone tell me what's involved on the servicing? I'm guessing gearbox/leg oil, spark plug, impellor and any disturbed gaskets...is that it?

If it ain't bust, don't play with it is the general rule. I just check the gearbox oil annually and that's it as far as routine servicing. If the telltale stops squirting and is clear then the impeller needs a change and, if it's hard to start or missfires, then change the plug. Be sure to close the fuel cap vent if being left unused for a while to stop fuel deterioration.

 

[prv]

If it ain't bust, don't play with it is the general rule. I just check the gearbox oil annually and that's it as far as routine servicing.

Must admit I don't even do that, though I probably should at least every other year.

My use is a little different from the OP's in that I'm marina-based and usually only take the outboard down to the boat when I expect to use it, which tends to be on cruises to the West Country or Channel Islands rather than a local weekend. So I run it in a bin of water when I get back home, and either turn off the fuel while running or drain the carb properly using the little screw on the bottom. Then I put it away in the shed until the next time it's needed, which might be a couple of weeks or six months.

Pete

 

[graham]

If you keep the tohatsu (best engine imho) make sure to close fuel tap and run carb dry every time.otherwise petrol evaporates leaving a gummy residue that clogs the jets.

 

[Topcat47]

You have exactly the same problem with small 4-strokes and the jets are smaller so the problem arises to bite you all the sooner. The gummy residue is from the fuel as they are run on pump petrol and it's the ethanol that's the problem compared to the trace amounts of lub oil. Small 4-strokes are a B@$!@%d to work on when they need it, lots of fiddly little parts. Fine in a workshop working inside a cardboard box to keep flying parts together, but not in the cockpit of a 30'er and definitely not to be considered if you're old arthritic fingers don't work well when cold.

Keep the Tohatsu KISS!

 

[Topcat47]

See the thread regarding the Suzi carbs two down from here at posting.