Small outboard servicing, near Reading

jac

jac

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Afternoon all.

I live near Reading but do my boating on the Solent. I'm presently buying a new to me boat and need to get the outboard for the dinghy serviced and working.

It's a Tohatsu 2.5hp 2 stroke approx ten years old but only just run in.It's sat in a garage for the last few years so whilst I'd normally be happy with changing gearbox oil, spark plug etc, I could do with someone more knowledgable than me to ensure that it's running properly!

Can any of you knowledgable Thames Forum gentlemen recommend someone?
 
It's too easy!!

Change the plug and oil, lubricate the bits that move and have a look at the impellor.

I'm assuming this is the ubiquitous 'always in gear' model like the Mercury and Mariner clones. You can get a workshop manual off ebay for a couple of quid, but I can't see you'll need it.

ps if this is a rarely used item, the impellor may well be fine as long as it's pumping...
 
Oh, and if the carb needs a clean, it's a few bolts to remove it, take the float-bowl off and poke some wire down the jets once you have unscrewed them. If it starts and idles with fresh fuel-oil, then it should be fine.

Remember to run it out of fuel when you have stopped using it, it prevents the jets from gumming up with old fuel residue!
 
If you do decide to pay somebody else I can recommend Mike at Redline in Abingdon.

Red Line Outboard Services
Ferry Boat House Wilsham Road, Abingdon, OX14 5HP
Tel: 01235 423415
 
jac said:
Afternoon all.

I live near Reading but do my boating on the Solent. I'm presently buying a new to me boat and need to get the outboard for the dinghy serviced and working.

It's a Tohatsu 2.5hp 2 stroke approx ten years old but only just run in.It's sat in a garage for the last few years so whilst I'd normally be happy with changing gearbox oil, spark plug etc, I could do with someone more knowledgable than me to ensure that it's running properly!

Can any of you knowledgable Thames Forum gentlemen recommend someone?
Click to expand...

Lakesailor has a Tohatsu manual on his site. Covers several small two stroke models including the 2.5 hp http://www.lakelandimages.co.uk/Forum pics/info_engine/Tohatsu/

Thats the full worshop manual.

The owners manual covers routine servicing. See: http://www.tohatsu.com/tech_info/manuals.html if you have mislaid your copy
 
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No Regrets said:
Oh, and if the carb needs a clean, it's a few bolts to remove it, take the float-bowl off and poke some wire down the jets once you have unscrewed them. If it starts and idles with fresh fuel-oil, then it should be fine.

Remember to run it out of fuel when you have stopped using it, it prevents the jets from gumming up with old fuel residue!
Click to expand...

'Poke some wire down the jets'.... I think you have just sent trained OB technicians into apoplexy!!:D
 
Thanks all.

Have to say I was tempted to do it myself. (Although maybe not poke wire down the jets!!!) if the carb does need cleaning is there a safer way to remove any residue without risking scraping something to pieces.

And secondly, where nearby sells 2 stroke oil, gearbox oil etc. Have previously just bought it at Marina where boat kept but there must be somewhere closer to Reading than the Solent for that type of stuff??
 
jac said:
Thanks all.

And secondly, where nearby sells 2 stroke oil, gearbox oil etc. Have previously just bought it at Marina where boat kept but there must be somewhere closer to Reading than the Solent for that type of stuff??
Click to expand...

Redline (as mentioned earlier) - Abingdon

or the chandler in Moulsford - Freeman agent on the Thames

or the chandler about 300metres downstream of Caversham Lock - can't remember the name

chandler at the end of Scours Lane, Reading
 
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Steve Clayton said:
Redline (as mentioned earlier) - Abingdon

or the chandler in Moulsford - Freeman agent on the Thames

or the chandler about 300metres downstream of Caversham Lock - can't remember the name

chandler at the end of Scours Lane, Reading
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve

Didn't even know there was a chandlers at the end of scours lane! Annoyingly I drove past it this afternoon.
 
chief1 said:
Or any half decent motor factor/accessory shops if you want to avoid the chandleries!
Click to expand...

A TCW3 2stroke outboard engine oil is recommended. Quick Silver is a commonly available brand . "Premium" grade is suitable. No need to buy the more expensive "Premium Plus" grade
 
dash300 said:
'Poke some wire down the jets'.... I think you have just sent trained OB technicians into apoplexy!!:D
Click to expand...

It's only jetting that makes this a 2.5 not a 3.5 though!!

As a trained two stroke technician, I can tell you jetting ain't vital on these old things. You can actually upjet or downjet them depending on where you live....
 
No Regrets said:
It's only jetting that makes this a 2.5 not a 3.5 though!!

As a trained two stroke technician, I can tell you jetting ain't vital on these old things. You can actually upjet or downjet them depending on where you live....
Click to expand...

What jet would you suggest for Weybridge :D
 
Probably the one in it, but it may be different in Warmer climes, such as the med. These will be fairly overjetted for safety, you could down-jet to get a few more revs though!!
 
I was getting some stuff at Moulsford in the autumn and had to wait behind a Japanese gentleman getting parts for a tiny outboard. His 12 year old daughter got it from a car boot sale and stripped it down. They didn't have the parts but told her where to get them. I think she will be a great engineer. They know stuff at Moulsford.
 
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