Tohatsu 9.8 HP Outboard Motor Update

Just over a month ago I ended up having to do an emergency outboard motor exchange 2 miles off shore after my Tohatsu 9.8 HP outboard motor cut out and I couldn't get it started. As promised this is the feedback on what the problem was.

[@Wattwurm0815]

I always put a cheap aftermarket inline fuel filter in the fuel hose of my outboards. Works perfect und you can see the fuel running or if there is dirt in it. You need only a filter and two stainless stell hose clamps.

[@MScott-y4g]

That's a big deal disconnecting the fuel line at the end of the day and let it run until runs the carburetor dry and it dies. That makes everything better !!!!

[@michaeldobson8859]

All symptoms you are having look like a failure to vent the fuel tank. Open the vent on the tank. Verify by swapping the motor with your backup using the same fuel setup.

[@lawsonsimong]

Hi Chris, I recommend running the outboard in the bin until it runs out of fuel each time when you get home. Then there should be no fuel in the carburetor to cause any corrosion or leave a residue. The ethanol in petrol is causing lots of people to have issues with their outboard motors. It happened to me with my Yamaha 6hp last year (2020). The engineer/mechanic who fixed my outboard used an ultrasonic bath to clean all the airways and jets in the carburetor.

[@swmplvr]

these even have carburetors?? thought they were EFI (electronic fuel injected? (edit) My bad .. I just got o the part in video he is talking about the carb. maybe it's the newer models with the EFI?

[@carpediem19999]

maintenance kit looks good, useful and worth a bit to buy yourself! maybe your fuel tank had some plastic or some dirt in it from factory and got in the carb, i was going to say it was between fuel pump fuel hose and carburettor (maybe float sticking or something? it seemed the fuel pump is struggling to draw the fuel up the fuel pipe but its probably best to keep fuel tank and engine same level to make it easier for fuel delivery.

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Good suggestions

[@johnellis4129]

I have the same motor (2006 model) and have carb issues due to it sitting for eight years with ethanol fuel in it. My carb is the 3V2FB6D3 carb and the original owners mechanic broke the high speed jet retaining screw slot preventing removal and re-installation when attempting to rebuild it . I ordered the replacement carb (model 3V2031003M) and noticed that they have upgraded the carbs on these for some reason. We have ethanol free at the pump and it's the only thing other than a little seafoam that my motor gets.

[@slacktide_angler]

Besides unplugging the fuel line to run it dry, I start it again with the choke on- It seems to burn up even more leftover fuel. I run Stabil 360 Marine, to keep from ethanol phase separation. When I get home I empty the floatbowls- there's a brass screw you open and you can soak up the last bits of fuel with a papertowel. Finally, I empty the fuel that sits in the fuel line back into the tank. I use something like a pencap to press in the ballvalve in the connector while I direct it into the fill opening. I hope all of these things will keep mine reliable. I can't afford to tote a 2nd motor along! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Smurf5738]

The problem isn't the motor itself, it's the fuel delivery system. My old 6hp tohatsu did the same thing. It would flatten the bulb and the tank would suck up really tight. All I had to do was drill a couple holes in my gas cap. After that, no problems for 6years. Motor got stolen a year ago. Gonna upgrade soon

[@thatonebeone]

sucks got stolen... losers in this world dont value other people hard earn things

[@Smurf5738]

@@thatonebeone already got my new motor this month. This 9.8 pushes my little 1236 alumacraft over 20mph. I haul ass lol

[@AntiVaganza]

I haven't seen a portable tank without a vent in the cap for as long as I can remember. Didn't think it existed.

[@ptandjb]

I wonder, could the problem have been caused by ethanol in automotive gasoline? I have a 2014 4 stroke 6HP Tohatsu that after two years would not start, local Tohatsu mechanic said "ethanol destroys outboards" after doing a complete carburetor rebuild. Since then run on VP Fuels 94 octane ethanol free gas ordered from Zoro.com. 4X the cost of regular gas but no corrosion worries, thi gas has multi-year storage life. New 2021 Tohatsu 9.9 HP MFS9.9EEFTL outboard arrived today, it will never see a drop of ethanol. Tohatsu outboards sip gas, to me a very reasonable expense. Overall your videos are extraordinarily useful.

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Thanks for the info

[@richarddegen6184]

ethanol is crap, luckily I can get unleaded 90 octane no ethanol fuel here at QT convenience stores all over Texas...25 cents or so more expensive

[@Master999P]

We have ethanol in US. Ruins engines. Thanks corn farmers. I highly recommend a fuel water separator.

[@swmplvr]

hmmm...seems like you forgot to open the air vent on the fuel tank which would be why the pump handle gets sucked in and @2:48 when you are putting the fuel can on the trash can you opened it... that's how it appears anyway * shrug...

[@SydneyRadio2UE]

I have no clue about boats and outboard motors, but enjoy watching your video just the same.

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Thanks

[@tommystorey9218]

Hi Chris, could you please take your dad fishing again as its obvious that he's better at fishing than he is at golf! Tommy

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

I thought he was just lucky at the fishing Tommy, I'm such he will be out again in the summer

[@123boat]

Excellent video. Worth noting, raising the tank as an option if trouble occurs. Happy Christmas Christopher 👍🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Think it will only help in certain circumstances. Merry Christmas

[@AntiVaganza]

Yep, did the trick on my friend's old 2-stroke as well. Very similiar symptoms just much shorter runs before it would die. Turned out the diaphragm in the fuel pump had split. So, going to "gravity feed" made it work. Or hand prime the bulb continously - or a combo.

[@conradlheureux2195]

if it was like mine it was the o ring on the connection at the fuel tank.

[@johncoyote6755]

Ordered my tohatsu 9.8 tonight. Thankfully here in the states we have several ethanol free gas stations here still. I hope running ethanol free will prevent me from having similar issues.

[@andrewcarson9068]

it was probably dirty fuel i had a similar issue....I would get a good glass fuel filter installed and get rid of that wee white plastic thing they provide they are useless.

[@deborahabercrombie9461]

sounds like your vent cap on gas can was plugged

[@velchuck]

Can you recommend a good fuel additive?

[@monacocross4241]

Tohatsu ENGINES SCRAP

[@flamintasty]

This is why you don’t use 95RON fuel. It has 10% Ethanol added to it, which rots seals, pipes, and gaskets. Obviously if the motor is built to run 10% Ethanol, which by the sound of the uprated gasket, the later models are safe to run 10% Ethanol. To anyone that wants to avoid any Ethanol issues, use Super Unleaded fuel, which is 97RON, 98RON, or 99RON. Depending on the oil company. Super Unleaded is only 5% Ethanol, and much better than the 10% Ethanol rubbish that masqeurades as 95RON.

[@Dazza_Chan]

Hi Chris, Do you use E10 or E5 fuel?

[@sneadhern]

Merry Christmas and a very happy new year Christopher 👍👍🍾🍾🍺

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Merry Christmas

[@dt9094]

Did they replace your fuel pump? Thank you for the video, having same issue.🇨🇦👍

[@nspctor7729]

Tohatsu 5 Star Noted

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Yes, very impressed with them

[@Master999P]

I have a Tohatsu……best outboard I’ve every owned!! I wish they made lawn mowers.

[@Каляныч-к9б]

Super video, thank you very much, where is this service in the UK? USA?

[@matthewpool494]

Great troubleshooting

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Thanks

[@fghjjjk]

My Honda does this if I "stash" the fuel tank. Doesn't if its in the boat. I have deduced a slightly temperamental fuel line / tank connection. I just check it every 15 mins so that's its all tight... I'll replace the connector this winter too.

[@oldbloke135]

It's curious that Tohatsu focused on the carb when it seemed to be a fuel supply problem. It was behaving exactly like my outboard does if the tank vent is closed or the cockpit locker lid is squashing the fuel line and I'm sat on it! Assuming yours wasn't closed, I'd have tried it with the tank cap off and if it was OK then, suspect the tank vent was blocked, probably by ethanol fuel crud. If the fault remained then I'd be looking at the fuel pump. I don't understand how a carb problem leads to the fuel line bulb going soft.

[@Baddad36]

Just come across this channel. Superb. Subscribed. Was thinking of kayak fishing but perhaps this is the way to go. Engine conking out does scare me though. 3 miles rowing an inflatable might be a bit stressful so I guess 2nd motor is the way to go. Love your thoughts on different OB makes or are they much the same. Same with inflatables. Will be checking out all the rest of your vids to see if you have already! Thanks again.

[@damlamsrloglu4359]

battery connectıon ? how and where you store battery at the dingy?

[@TheEverLovingOutdoors]

Fuck Mate, I was looking to get one of these for a spare. I'd hate to get a spare for my spare.

[@chrismccartney8668]

Fuel filter blocked or dirt in tank or dodgy fuel line... ??

[@jerrymarbury9365]

Sounds like a fuel line problem ,maybe not.

[@sinisahercog6563]

why not honda 8 hp?

[@hunter19709]

Bad fuel pump?

[@michaeldobson8859]

Fuel pump

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

Other than this how reliable and good does the engine seam?

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

Yes very happy with it

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

@@ChristopherFlannigan good to hear. We are wondering pairing it with a pioner 12 Maxi how do you think that boat will do in light sea use?

[@graemebrown1191]

Very good review.sir👏👏👏👏

[@richarddegen6184]

fuel pump probably due to ethanol destroying the pump diaphram

[@babajaga6755]

So, being an owner of the same tohatsu i wonder how much working hours did it take before your issue with ethanol-carb corrosion occured?

[@jordanlivingstone5808]

Chris, really enjoy your reviews of the 9.8hp. Random question - What length is the gap between the two transom bolts on this model (how far apart are they)? Thanks

[@davidnorth6541]

Your problem is the crappy made for cars gasoline you feed the outboard without even draining the carbs after each use. And it will happen again and again if you don't burn out the leftover gasoline after each use.

[@ChristopherFlannigan]

I always let the fuel burn out