In late April we bought a "new in the factory crate" 9.8 hp Tohatsu 4-stroke. The first time it was used, it started and ran just fine at low idle (the requied first stage of break-in). The second time it was used, the engine started OK, but didn't want to run unless the choke was out for quite a while. Finally it warmed up and ran OK. The same thing happened the third time it was used. This morning, with about two hours total on the motor, it started OK choked, but would not idle at all unless the choke remained engaged (out). I tried letting it run that way for maybe a half hour to make sure it was adequately warmed-up. Still would not idle unless choked. It would run at higher RPMs, but not idle. The motor has less than 3 hours on it. I'm using gasoline I purchased the first time we we used the motor. Any suggestions on what might be the problem?
New engine woes
- Thread starter Bill18593
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Motor
I would guess there is some gum or sludge in the carburetor. The little motors have such tiny jets that it doesn't take much to stop them up. I would suggest you pull the carb. bowl and clean out the jets. That should fix your problem. I am assuming there is not a dealer close enough to you to take it in for warranty.
I would guess there is some gum or sludge in the carburetor. The little motors have such tiny jets that it doesn't take much to stop them up. I would suggest you pull the carb. bowl and clean out the jets. That should fix your problem. I am assuming there is not a dealer close enough to you to take it in for warranty.
Something..
..is restricting fuel flow. It could be the vent in the gas cap or a foreign particle in the fuel jet. First check to see if the engine will run normally with the fuel cap removed. If it does, the vent is your problem. If not, remove and clean the main jet in the carburetor.
..is restricting fuel flow. It could be the vent in the gas cap or a foreign particle in the fuel jet. First check to see if the engine will run normally with the fuel cap removed. If it does, the vent is your problem. If not, remove and clean the main jet in the carburetor.
I think the main jet is probably reasonably clear
Alan. It only runs when choked and the fuel for choking comes through the main jet. I would first check the idle adjustment needle to make sure it's off its' seat. It should be off the seat about 2 turns, give or take. Then release the choke. If it still bogs and dies, back off the idle needle a little more. If that makes no difference, you got it! Open up the carb and clean it out. Bet you find fresh metal or plastic cuttings, not sludge. Of course all testing should be done with a warm engine IF possible. Good luck Bill.
Alan. It only runs when choked and the fuel for choking comes through the main jet. I would first check the idle adjustment needle to make sure it's off its' seat. It should be off the seat about 2 turns, give or take. Then release the choke. If it still bogs and dies, back off the idle needle a little more. If that makes no difference, you got it! Open up the carb and clean it out. Bet you find fresh metal or plastic cuttings, not sludge. Of course all testing should be done with a warm engine IF possible. Good luck Bill.
If it's brand new...
..take it back to the dealer for warranty repairs. If you touch it then you may void portions of the warranty. So if you think you're in trouble now, see what happens if you touch it. *cry
..take it back to the dealer for warranty repairs. If you touch it then you may void portions of the warranty. So if you think you're in trouble now, see what happens if you touch it. *cry
Since it is new . . .
I would suspect break-in rather than any maintenance issue. It sounds like the motor may just be difficult to break-in. You could/should take it back ti the place of purchase and let them fiddle with it, as it should work to a great extent.
I would suspect break-in rather than any maintenance issue. It sounds like the motor may just be difficult to break-in. You could/should take it back ti the place of purchase and let them fiddle with it, as it should work to a great extent.
Another guess
My guess is that you have an air leak somewhere in the fuel system. Check the "o" rings on your fuel line and look for any loose fittings. If that is not it, take it back to the dealer.
My guess is that you have an air leak somewhere in the fuel system. Check the "o" rings on your fuel line and look for any loose fittings. If that is not it, take it back to the dealer.
Additive
I'll check the fittings and hose Is there some kind of additive that could be added to the gasoline to help clean the bowl and jet? Maybe a gasoline with a different detergent package? Fresh gasoline? Maybe just running it until it smooths out? I live an hour away from the boat and really don't want to go through the hassle of removing and replacing it if I don't have to.
I'll check the fittings and hose Is there some kind of additive that could be added to the gasoline to help clean the bowl and jet? Maybe a gasoline with a different detergent package? Fresh gasoline? Maybe just running it until it smooths out? I live an hour away from the boat and really don't want to go through the hassle of removing and replacing it if I don't have to.
Bill, the guy's who said to take it back are right
I was coming at the problem from a cruiser and hot rodder's point of view. And a detergent isn't going to clean anything. There's nothing to clean inside a new motor. (except plastic and metal cuttings if the manufacturer was careless)Also, get a good filter!
I was coming at the problem from a cruiser and hot rodder's point of view. And a detergent isn't going to clean anything. There's nothing to clean inside a new motor. (except plastic and metal cuttings if the manufacturer was careless)Also, get a good filter!
Stu,
The manual was my first stop. There's about three pages of suggestions as to what it could be. My hope was that someone could suggest a simple solution or something stupid I overlooked. I bought the motor mail-order. So I think the best first action is to find the nearest dealer and discuss logistics and timing. Thanks all.
The manual was my first stop. There's about three pages of suggestions as to what it could be. My hope was that someone could suggest a simple solution or something stupid I overlooked. I bought the motor mail-order. So I think the best first action is to find the nearest dealer and discuss logistics and timing. Thanks all.
I agree with Danny,
If the connection is bad the motor won't idle correctly. It will draw air through the "O" ring and not enough gas but when throttle is applied it will over come the lack of fuel. I would take a look at it before you take the motor off. It might even be worth buying a fuel connection to try and if that is not it, put it in your spare parts collection. Question, does the primer ball pump up so that it is hard? Since it was not a local purchase, I would call the people you bought it from for advice. I think you might find that the local dealer will be none to pleased discussing a motor problem on a motor he did not sell. r.w.landau
If the connection is bad the motor won't idle correctly. It will draw air through the "O" ring and not enough gas but when throttle is applied it will over come the lack of fuel. I would take a look at it before you take the motor off. It might even be worth buying a fuel connection to try and if that is not it, put it in your spare parts collection. Question, does the primer ball pump up so that it is hard? Since it was not a local purchase, I would call the people you bought it from for advice. I think you might find that the local dealer will be none to pleased discussing a motor problem on a motor he did not sell. r.w.landau
back to Bill on the outboard engine...
I diagnosed my 9.9 Evinrude 1990 on the Catalina 25 Assoc website - I posted a ? there and the guys were wonderful in a positive response - and accurate with their answers. Those C25 guys know more about outboards than fishermen do. Try them, they've had them all, and, sorry if I asked the obvious, and I'm glad you did - sorry your instruction book wasn't longer and better read. *sry Stu
I diagnosed my 9.9 Evinrude 1990 on the Catalina 25 Assoc website - I posted a ? there and the guys were wonderful in a positive response - and accurate with their answers. Those C25 guys know more about outboards than fishermen do. Try them, they've had them all, and, sorry if I asked the obvious, and I'm glad you did - sorry your instruction book wasn't longer and better read. *sry Stu
Stu,
Thanks for the suggestion. I used to be subscribed to the Cat 25 forum before we got our h25.5. I might try there if I don't get any satisfaction from the local dealer. BTW, I have a friend Hans (PhD) from the Netherlands who sails from time to time on a C34 in SF. You wouldn't happen to know him would you?
Thanks for the suggestion. I used to be subscribed to the Cat 25 forum before we got our h25.5. I might try there if I don't get any satisfaction from the local dealer. BTW, I have a friend Hans (PhD) from the Netherlands who sails from time to time on a C34 in SF. You wouldn't happen to know him would you?
Small world
Bill No, I don't, but I sure would like to, since we're going to be in Holland in about a month! If you can find out what the name of the boat he sails on here is, I could contact the skipper (we know most everyone here with C34s, one way or another) or get me in touch with him, that would be great. Stu PS good luck with your engine, but why wait, why not start with the C25 guys NOW and use their input to back check what your dealer may say to you?
Bill No, I don't, but I sure would like to, since we're going to be in Holland in about a month! If you can find out what the name of the boat he sails on here is, I could contact the skipper (we know most everyone here with C34s, one way or another) or get me in touch with him, that would be great. Stu PS good luck with your engine, but why wait, why not start with the C25 guys NOW and use their input to back check what your dealer may say to you?
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