Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

[rowen211]

OK, so I have a 2011 Tohatsu 5hp with a smoke problem. I just finished the break-in period and did what the manual said by changing the motor and gear oil. But when I run it, it spits out a lot of smoke. I checked and checked again the oil level and it is just fine. I checked the gas and there is no oil in it. It is pumping water perfectly and at the right temperature and I know I'm doing everything right. The smoke is not blue nor does it smell of oil so I know that is not the problem. There is no noticeable performance drop. HELP!!! (please).

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

OK, so I have a 2011 Tohatsu 5hp with a smoke problem. I just finished the break-in period and did what the manual said by changing the motor and gear oil. But when I run it, it spits out a lot of smoke. I checked and checked again the oil level and it is just fine. I checked the gas and there is no oil in it. It is pumping water perfectly and at the right temperature and I know I'm doing everything right. The smoke is not blue nor does it smell of oil so I know that is not the problem. There is no noticeable performance drop. HELP!!! (please).

Are you sure the smoke is smoke, and not steam?

 

[partskenn]

Re: Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

I just bought a Tohatsu 3.5 hp 4 stroke. I have run it a couple times in a 55 gal drum, to do some of the break-in time. I saw the same thing, a light smoke coming out of the barrel, but it didn't smell like smoke, or leave a slick in the water. I eventually came to the conclusion that it was steam, even though the water wasn't all that hot. I hope that I am right about that because I was freaking out the same as you.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

Smoke, usually occurs when people transport an engine and then tilt it to install it. A small amount of oil goes where it shouldn't, when that happens the oil winds up in the combustion chamber, where it burns, smokes and then stops. Not a problem...Or maybe there is a problem. So, take your engine into a dealer, let them test run it and see if it is an operator malfunction or a defect.

 

[rowen211]

Re: Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

I don't know why there would be steam. This has never happened before and the cooling system seems to be working just fine.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu 4-stroke smoke problem

The 4/5/6 has a wet exhaust system. There is often a lot of water vapor in the exhaust. That shows up more as "smoke" or "steam" in cooler, damp weather.

Elvin is 100% right... since you are under warranty, have your dealer look it over.