Tohatsu M3.5A

[sffar]

Hello,
New to the forum. It's a good one!
I just bought a Tohatsu 3.5A that needs a little TLC. It's my first outboard , and I have a couple of questions . .
What would be a good prop? I have a square transom canoe, and the motor will usually push about 350 lbs, though perhaps 600 lbs, max, once in a while.
Does anyone know what the healthy compression range is? I'm trying to figure out how far I need to go in getting this thing running.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Sam

 

[ziemann]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Here are some VERY GENERAL guidelines to at least get you started....

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=188767

 

[sffar]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Thanks, ziemann. I'll be sure and check the spark and to see if the cylinder moves. Right now I'm going through the fuel system cleaning and removing some rust that's been clogging things up.

 

[sffar]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

I've read several times 100# is considered decent compression, but I was told by a friend 80# is about right for this Tohatsu single. Can someone confirm what's healthy compression for the Tohatsu 3.5?
Thanks!

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Yes 80lbs is about right. I've had several Nissan/Tohatsu 2.5 & 3.5 motors and they all have fallen in that range.

Stock prop is the way to go. I really doubt a different prop is available for them.

There's not much to those motors. Clean the carb/fuel system and RUN IT.

 

[sffar]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Thanks, Whoopbass!
The compression averages a little over 80# (almost 85#) with five pulls. I appreciate the help. It is a terrific, simple little motor. Good thing, as I'm a beginner at this! I've gone over just about the whole motor now. Got the Tohatsu prop that's rated for up to 500 lbs. (7" pitch?I'm using it on 14' 60 lb. square transom canoe.) Just touching up the motor's paint now. Seems like a great motor. Can't wait to get it in the water.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

I recently had Tohatsu 3.5 with very low hours (looked brand new). Compression read around 80lbs. Seems like every small motor no matter what brand, the compression reads 60-85 lbs. They have all ran good so I don't know what the deal is.
Good luck with your motor. Don't expect to go too fast with it. When you want to move up to a bigger motor sell that one on ebay (they sell for $300 on the low end up to $450 on the high side) and then buy a 10-15 hp Johnson locally.

 

[sffar]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Thanks again, Whoopbass. Don't expect much speed, but enough to suit the purpose. Hope I'll get 10 or 12 mph, though?quicker than rowing!
I am looking at an '75 Evinrude 15, but it's a fixer-upper.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Can't go wrong with the Evinrude. Their easy to work on and even if you can't get it going you can part the thing out on ebay and make a good $400.
I just parted one out and made atleast $400.
The carb alone sold for $175.00. I think the guy over paid for it but i'm not complaining. 15 hp JohnnyRude carbs are valuable.

 

[sffar]

Re: Tohatsu M3.5A

Good to know. I better be careful leaving parts around, though, or I could end up with a Frankenstein, aka "Rude Johnny Tohatsu!"