Tohatsu 15 HP Efi

dek · 16 June 2019, 14:01

Hi guys asking as dont have a clue. Is it possible to disconnect fuel pipe from engine whilst running ? Thinking it would use residual fuel in engine to prevent petrol fumes whilst in storage.Also how long will fuel stay fresh in the fuel line when not in use ? Thanks for any input.

Fenlander · 16 June 2019, 14:35

One efi advantage is the fuel system is more of a sealed type than a carb setup. I’m quite keen on fuel stabiliser these days and have been using it for the past year on every tank full.

I’ve heard from several sources recently of even small amounts of water troubling these latest sub 30hp efi outboards so if I returned to using one I’d fit a filter/water sep unit on the.transom.

jeffstevens763@g · 16 June 2019, 17:15

I use to run mine dry (old habit) have left it full for two years now with no problems as fenlander says the fuel is sealed so will last at least a year and stabilised as an added precaution I too have a fuel separator

Fenlander · 16 June 2019, 18:12

What does the Tohatsu instruction book say Dek?

Edit: Didn't realise it would be so easy to find online... I've just looked. Doesn't seem to b any advice other than for "storage" where there are instructions to drain the whole fuel system down on page 71 & 72.

BTW while looking through the manual as far as I read (p.50) you aren't allowed to lay the OB down at all and it has to be transported/carried upright unless drained of fuel and oil... really??

dek · 16 June 2019, 21:24

Hi Fenlander the engine can be laid down on the tiller side. There are also square lugs on the cowling to facilitate balance etc.
Nice to hear fuel is okay for a reasonably long period.

Fenlander · 16 June 2019, 21:33

>>>the engine can be laid down on the tiller side.

But doesn't the manual say you can lay it on that side *after the oil has been drained* and with a 2"-4" lift at the powerhead end... or am I reading it wrong?

Stevem · 16 June 2019, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>the engine can be laid down on the tiller side.

But doesn't the manual say you can lay it on that side *after the oil has been drained* and with a 2"-4" lift at the powerhead end... or am I reading it wrong?

I can read where it says drain down the fuel but not oil?
I does say elevate power unit 2-4 inches if traveling to prevent oil spillage.

I'd like to know if draining the fuel really has to be done as i've not been doing that with mine..

Fenlander · 16 June 2019, 22:18

I'm not trying to be a pain just interested really.

The manual I'm reading is from the Tohatsu website...

https://www.tohatsu.co.jp/Portals/0/...EXEU_EN-02.pdf

The page I'm getting the info from is no. 50. The note bottom left.

Stevem · 17 June 2019, 06:14

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Ha, yes the online manual does say drain oil but the owners manual doesn’t mention this?

beamishken · 17 June 2019, 06:19

Geez if I read that page before I purchased a "portable" engine I'd be out the dealers like a shot . Who would buy an engine you cant lie down fully, have to transport standing up and cant trailer in the tilted position?
More to the point why design an engine so fussy for position its almost useless to anyone who uses as a portable
That page is like a "several reasons not to buy this engine" page

dek · 17 June 2019, 08:18

Hi guys I was instructed and loaded by the dealer who said no problem laying on side for transportation. I store it vertically on stand.

Fenlander · 17 June 2019, 09:22

You would hope the online manual is a misprint... never meaning to refer to draining oil... later corrected in the supplied paper manuals.

I'm pretty sure the Suzuki 20efi I had referred to draining the fuel filter housing before laying down but I never bothered and it didn't spill.

I see the manual for the Mercury version says to transport on the port side... or on its back with the tiller facing up.. with no mention at all of draining oil or fuel but they do say to disconnect the fuel line and let it run until it stops.

Stevem · 17 June 2019, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

You would hope the online manual is a misprint... never meaning to refer to draining oil... later corrected in the supplied paper manuals.

I'm pretty sure the Suzuki 20efi I had referred to draining the fuel filter housing before laying down but I never bothered and it didn't spill.

I see the manual for the Mercury version says to transport on the port side... or on its back with the tiller facing up.. with no mention at all of draining oil or fuel but they do say to disconnect the fuel line and let it run until it stops.

Cheers David,

Good to know about the Suzuki and Mercury. I'll continue to lay on correct side and not drain fuel.

Fenlander · 17 June 2019, 14:36

I seem to remember saying this in another thread not too long ago but once I had a 4-stroke OB on the transom or a stand after a journey laying down I'd give it a few mins then check the oil level. If it was all where it should be and to level then you could be confident no problems.

dek · 17 June 2019, 15:54

Thats a good bit of advice Fenlander re checking oil levels. Thanks for all the input guys. Just waiting for the sunshine now.

Locozodiac · 17 June 2019, 22:28

If plan storing that motor for a long time term you should disconnect the tank connector, with a small rod, pin, finger whatever press the internal white needle downwards till the motor dies of fuel starvation. That way fuel line and carb will be kept clean with no E fuel in them.

Can perform that process while motor is being flushed on muffs after use or before final storage.

Happy Boating