What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

[WN2712NJ]

Hi-

The situation is late last season I bought a new Tohatsu 20HP 4st from one of the online dealers. At first I as very happy with the motor, but now I'm worried I've got a big problem.

By the end of last season I had just gotten thru the break-in period (10 hours) and then changed the oil. Was unable to change the oil filter because it's placement/access seems to defy any oil filter wrench I've ever seen.

So far this year I've put about another 10 hours on it. About two weeks ago I pulled the dipstick and checked the oil, and it was down a little, but still in between the low and high marks.

Today when I was almost into the dock, the dreaded red light came on, signaling low oil pressure. I shut her down and coasted in. Much to my dismay when I checked the dipstick it was dry. Got home and tilted the motor up, turned it sideways and pulled the drain plug and got maybe 2 cups of oil out (full on this little motor is 1 quart).

I had been noticing a light sheen on the water when idling the last couple of weeks. This had bummed me a little cause I thought I was being E.C. by buying a 4 stroke. At the time I had assume it was unburned gas, but now I'm guessing it was oil in the exhaust (where else would it go?).

The motor has also had a bit of an issue with idling the last two times out, but I'm pretty sure that was a case of old/suspect gas that I had grabbed out of the toolshed. She powers up fine. I should also mention I pulled the plugs and they looked ok - just a thin light gray coating - no black and no wetness.

So, any guesses do I have a warranty claim in my future, or is it possible that the motor just isn't fully broken in, and that burning 1/2 a quart in about 10 hours of operation is normal at this point?

Thanks for your time,

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

They do not use any oil at all. In fact, virtually everyone who owns one, gains oil. Take it into your closest dealer and have them diagnose the problem. By any chance, are you taking the engine on and off the boat and/or transporting the engine from point to point. The oil filter requires either a $1.99 cheapo strap wrench, Tohatsu special tool wrench or someone over 160 lbs to unscrew it by hand.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Thanks for answering TG.

Sigh. That was not the answer I was hoping for.

I bought this engine after having problems with it's predecessor last summer, and losing use of the boat for a large part of the summer. The boat is at my folk's place, a ferry ride away. I only get over there on weekends and of course the dealer's are never open on weekends. And to top it off,this is salmon fishing season and I know from last year the turn-around time on any repair is going to be many weeks. I bought a new Tohatsu just to avoid having this happen again!

Could the oil loss be from anything other than oil blowing by the rings?

Assuming I keep the oil level topped off diligently, any real chance of doing any more damage than whatever is already wrong, and just running it until the end of summer - as I said, it seems to run pretty well. In my youth I had some cars that ran well too as long as you added oil everytime you added gas ;-).

One other thing to note is that our normal usage around here involves a lot of running at slightly above idle (trolling) with occasional bursts of high power (changing location). That's been the usage so far this year.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

A true oil loss could be anything from a blown gasket or seal to a cracked block. Another thing is that the idling actually causes that oil gain I referred to...That makes this situation even worse Your best hope is that you are causing the oil loss yourself by transporting the engine on the wrong side or that when you are lifting the engine you are doing the bear hug to the head and swinging the lower unit up too high in the air. Other than that its probably bad news...There haven't been any issues with this model so lets hope either you have been screwing up or that it's a minor seal issue Let me know your zip code and I'll see who is the brightest of the dimwitted dealers in your area

 

[rodbolt]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

"brightest of the dimwitted" hahahahahah
I gotta remember that one, it is applicable to a few here.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

A true oil loss could be anything from a blown gasket or seal to a cracked block. Another thing is that the idling actually causes that oil gain I referred to...That makes this situation even worse Your best hope is that you are causing the oil loss yourself by transporting the engine on the wrong side or that when you are lifting the engine you are doing the bear hug to the head and swinging the lower unit up too high in the air. Other than that its probably bad news...There haven't been any issues with this model so lets hope either you have been screwing up or that it's a minor seal issue Let me know your zip code and I'll see who is the brightest of the dimwitted dealers in your area

I haven't removed the motor from the boat since I got it.
What do you mean by swing the lower unit up to high? Are you talking about the manual tilt? Yes, I do tilt the motor all the way up every time I use the boat launch, but what can be wrong with that?

Kingston, Wa, 98346.

Thanks,

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

No, not tilting it. I was hoping that you were moving the engine around incorrectly causing oil to transfer from the crankcase to the combustion chamber. Basically gravity keeps the oil where it is supposed to be in the engine. People sometimes forget that and swing the lower unit higher than the power head...Usually when they put the engine on the boat's transom or as they take the engine in or out of their car/truck/SUV. This sounds more and more like a defective seal issue or something similar. I'll get with Tohatsu in the morning and see who is the bright boy in your area...

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Actually didn't need to check with Tohatsu. You have 14 dealers near you and two out of the first 5 closest have their crap together.

Ballard Inflatable Boats 206-784-4014

Sorensen Marine Inc. 206-767-4622

The other three might be okay, but these two can handle something this simple...Or more complicated for that matter.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Actually didn't need to check with Tohatsu. You have 14 dealers near you and two out of the first 5 closest have their crap together.

Ballard Inflatable Boats 206-784-4014

Sorensen Marine Inc. 206-767-4622

The other three might be okay, but these two can handle something this simple...Or more complicated for that matter.

Oh gawd, I was afraid of that. 206 area code is Seattle. To get the motor there requires trailering it across the ferry, $40 each way, plus probably a day of my vacation time to do it on a weekday. The other option would be to spend an hour or two getting it off the boat and into the back of my van, but that would take finding another guy to help me (I am the only male in the family between 13 and 72 right now). And then I'll be lucky to get the darn thing back before the end of the season... Pardon my French, but this totally sucks.

I know this might not be a great idea, but I'll probably run it a couple of more weekends, keeping a close eye on the oil level. If I can get to mid-Sept with it running ok, the dealer can have 8 months to fix it, I won't care.

As ususal, thanks TG for your assistance.

-dm

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

BTW, TG is there anything I can do to try to spot the cause? As I said, the plugs don't show any residue I would associate with oil. If it is a seal, is there anything I would see poking around externally?

Thanks again,

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

You live on a deserted island? The professor might be able to figure it out, but don't let Gilligan anywhere near it How about this guy in Poulsbo?

Roy's Marine Service 360-297-7117

I'll check on him in the morning and let you if he knows anything. For some reason his name seems familiar to me, but that may be because there are lot's (you know, lot's is not a real word?) of Roy's out there.

As far as determining the cause yourself...Bad idea. Virtually any kind of tear down to inspect is going to mean the replacement of a gasket or seal.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Roy's isn't even in Poulsbo, he is on the road out of Kingston and I've got his number on speed dial because he did the work for me last year on the old motor. Seemed like a really good guy, it is just that they are usually terribly backed up this time of year.

I didn't think he was a Tohatsu dealer, just Nissan (yes I know they are from the same place). I actually talked to him about getting me a Nissan 20 but his price was so high I ended up going online.

And yes, getting a boat across Puget Sound (unless on it's own power) is an expensive and time-consuming proposition. Car on ferry is about $32 round trip, car + boat trailer can hit double that (they charge by length).

Thanks,

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Roy's is a not-stupid as well In fact, he is considered more than competent so take it there.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Oh...When you speak to them ask them why they have themselves listed as being in Poulsbo.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Oh...When you speak to them ask them why they have themselves listed as being in Poulsbo.

Because Kingston is a very tiny place, and isn't even incorporated. Have a look at it on Google Earth. Beautiful place, though. As is Poulsbo. If you ever happen to get up to Kitsap County Wa, give me a shout and I will buy you a fish&chips there.

As I said, it never even occurred to me that Roy was a Tohatsu service center, although I knew he handled Nissan and Merc. I will call him after 9 and see what he says.

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

The problem I have recommending someone sometimes is that close by geographic mile doesn't take into account water road ways and mountains I've been up to the Seattle area exactly one time and that was 35 or 40 years ago to go salmon fishing...If i am ever up that way again I will take you up on the free food.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Well as I feared Roy is backed up for weeks. I have an appt, with him in mid-August. His advice is to keep it topped off in the meantime and keep careful track of how much oil I have to add.

-dm

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

That sucks...Give Tohatsu a call at 214-420-6440 and ask for Kieth...I'll let him know you will be calling.

 

[WN2712NJ]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

Talked to Keith, he agreed with Roy, said ok to keep running it, but keep a close eye on the oil level. He also said they could expedite any parts required.

I will post a follow-up after I finally get it in for service.

Thanks again!

-dm

 

[rodbolt]

Re: What is normal oil consumption for an almost new Tohatsu 4 stroke?

poulsbo.
my sister and bro-inlaw live there.
3 years ago I sold them my 21 shamrock,had it shipped from wanchese NC to poulsbo then flew out to show them how to operate it.
dang that is some deep water.
about 30ft from the ramp I looked at the depth finder. made a comment to Tom,I think the finder got damagaed cause it shows 300 ft.
tom looked at his GPS and said yep thats about right according to the chart.
in my area 12ft is deep and anything less than 2ft is shallow.
current rips there too.
here all the water level is wind driven no real tides.
then the guys talking about fishing 250Ft, I dont have that much line on my rig hardley .