Tohatsu 90 TLDI

[Wallsy]

I have a 1998 Tohatsu 90 tldi. I trailered it down here from Maine where Tohatsu's are popular and certified techs readily available, to Florida where, in my area, there are few certified tldi techs. I usually try to do my own repair work, but this motor has a complex computer system that is beyond my paygrade. I know that Nissan and some Mercs are made by Tohatsu so perhaps one of those shops could repair my Tohatsu. I did take the unit to a local shop that generally can fix anything and they said they wouldn't touch it because they didn't have the necessary electronic equipment. Is this what I am likely to find in other non-Tohatsu shops?

My specific issue is that the motor (after sitting idle throughout the summer) did start up after a fashion. However, it would not run at idle but required that I keep the throttle almost wide open to keep it running. I removed the plugs and found the top plug really black/sooty. The other two looked okay. I put a new set in and tried again. Same result. This time the top plug was oily. The other two were clean. My assumption is that the ECU is messed up or perhaps the fuel injectors are bad/dirty. I have heard that re-setting the ECU sometimes fixes problems of this kind, but I find nothing in the service manual about re-setting. So, I guess I need a pro, but can't identify one.

Anyway, that's my story. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 90 TLDI

The only test equipment needed for that engine is the engine itself and a analog multitester. So, any shop that does not have a $30.00 multitester is pretty sad. What is your Florida zip code?

 

[Wallsy]

Re: Tohatsu 90 TLDI

The only test equipment needed for that engine is the engine itself and a analog multitester. So, any shop that does not have a $30.00 multitester is pretty sad. What is your Florida zip code?

32174

I gather from what you said, that finding a "certified" Tohatsu tech may not be essential. But would it make sense to take it to a shop that specializes in Merc or Nissan given what I understand are similarities in the engines? Any thoughts about the issue I described? Thanks.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatsu 90 TLDI

All Nissan outboards are made by Tohatsu, so any Nissan Marine dealer can help you. If you have the Factory service manual, it is complete with information on how to diagnose the motor, based on the ECU memories. Yes, it also shows you, step-by-step, how to reset the ECU and TPS.

According to http://www.tohatsu.com/dealersearch...y=Both&RADIUS=50&submit2=Search&NumHits=UnRun, there are lots of (8) certified dealers within 50 miles of your ZIP code.

Yes, a competent mechanic, armed the Factory service manual, with a good analog (not digital) multimeter (preferably with DVA capability) can diagnose and repair the motor, however it will probably go faster if a TLDI technician does the work.