Cover on the cap of the outboard motor Tohatsu 5 hp

Operation of two-stroke or four-stroke boat-engine The 5 horsepower system requires not only timely maintenance, but also proper preservation during downtime. The top of the lower unit is the one where the carburetor covers the ignition system and flywheel, and this is the area most vulnerable to moisture, dust and insects if the engine is left unattended in the open air or in an unheated garage.

For the owners of the equipment Tohatsu (Tohatsu) Protection is becoming particularly important because of the popularity of these motors in small-scale mechanization, and many users mistakenly believe that a standard plastic cap is enough to protect them year-round, but the plastic fades over time and the sealing gums lose their elasticity, allowing fine moisture to pass through. cap-case This is a solution to these problems by creating an additional barrier to an aggressive environment.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why it is worth buying or sewing an individual case, what materials are best suited for this purpose and how to avoid common errors in the storage of equipment. engine And keep it in its commercial form.

Why do you need an extra cover on the engine cap?

The main function of the upper casing of the outboard motor is to protect the internal mechanisms from water splashes and mechanical damage during operation. However, when the motor is silenced and stored, its tasks change. The standard cap, especially if it is made of plastic, is exposed to ultraviolet light, which makes the material fragile. textile-case It takes on the role of a shield that reflects UV rays and prevents the internal nodes from overheating on hot days.

Also, during off-season periods, rodents that build nests out of wire insulation often enter the slack space, or insects that clog air filters. Tohatsu M5B Or similar models, which are physical barriers to uninvited guests, and this is especially important for motors stored in sheds or under sheds, where access for small animals is not limited.

And ventilation is also important, because a good case not only seals the engine, but it also allows it to breathe, preventing condensation under the cover. ignition And the right material, when you're right, allows you to microcirculate the air, keeping the inside dry.

⚠️ Warning: Never put a sealed plastic bag or film on a hot or warm motor. Abrupt cooling will cause abundant condensation inside, causing metal parts to corrosion faster than no protection at all.

Criteria for the selection of material for protection

When choosing or sewing a cover for boat-engine The key is the material, and the market offers a variety of options, from cheap polyester to expensive polyurethane-coated Oxford, and the fabric is the best choice to protect the 5 hp cap. Oxford 300D or 600D with a density of at least 240 g / sq.m. This material has high tensile strength and excellent wear resistance.

The second important parameter is water-repellent impregnation, and the fabric must have a water-resistance ratio of at least 2,000 mm of water column, which ensures that slanting rain or wet snow doesn't wet the shield, but it must not be completely impermeable to steam, otherwise the thermos effect will damage the engine. Modern membrane fabrics solve this problem by releasing moisture outwards, but not letting it in.

And you also have to look at the resistance of the dyes to burnout, and cheap fabrics can water in the first season, and they can stain the engine cap. parchment on the inside of the fabric protects the plastic from scratches that can occur in the wind when the case begins to rub.

• 🧵 Oxford 600D PU - an ideal balance of price and quality, high strength and water resistance.
• ☀️ Fabrics with UV stabilizers prevent the fibres from burning out and breaking down under the sun.
• 🌬️ Materials with microperforation - provide the necessary ventilation of the hood space.

Features of the design of covers for Tohatsu 5 hp

Outboard Motors Tohatsu The 5hp series (e.g., M5B, M5C, MFS5C) have their own design features: the cap can be whole or consist of top and bottom parts, which affects the shape of the necessary cover. It is important that the protection tightly fits the geometry of the casing, does not dangle in the wind, but also does not stretch excessively so as not to deform the mounts.

High-quality covers are fitted with a fixation system. This can be an elastic cord around the perimeter, a sidewalk or a belt with fastexes. For 5 hp motors, which are often used on inflatable boats and canoees, compactness is important. The case should not have hanging elements that can catch on tackle or a boat during transportation.

Special attention should be paid to access to controls, some advanced covers have special valves or zippers in the area of the handle of the gas and the hummel, which allows you to check the position without removing the protection completely. gear-knobs Or visually monitor the condition of the motor.

When sewing a case yourself or ordering from a master, you need to take into account the location of the air filter. Tohatsu air intake may be in specific places, and the cover should not cover these holes even in a closed state to avoid fogging.

Instructions: how to properly wear and remove protection

The procedure for putting on a cover seems trivial, but following the procedure will prolong the life of both the fabric and the motor. First, make sure that the engine is completely cooled, then wipe the cap with dry rags, removing dust and water residue, only then you can start installing protection.

Carefully spread the case and put it on top of the cap. If the model has an elastic belt, it should cover the bottom of the casing, above the lower unit. It is important to spread all the folds so that the wind does not rattle the fabric.

Removing the case before starting also requires attention. Don't pull the fabric sharply so as not to scratch the plastic with sharp elements of the fittings or the fabric itself if there is contamination on it. Fold or twist the case carefully so that the dirty side is inside, and put it in the storage bag.

⚠️ Note: If the case is wet during the rain, you should not pack it in a bag wet. Be sure to dry the fabric at room temperature to avoid mold and unpleasant odor, which will later pass to the engine.

Comparison of materials: specifications table

To finally decide on the choice, it is worth comparing the main types of materials used for sewing protection on the boat-capThe difference in price is often due to the service life and the Protection rating.

Characterization	Polyester (cheap)	Oxford 300D	Oxford 600D PU	Tarpaulin (PVC)
Water resistance	Low.	Medium	High.	Absolute.
Strength	Low.	Medium	High.	Very high.
Ventilation	Good.	Good.	Medium	Missing.
Term of service	1-2 seasons	3-5 seasons	Seasons 5-7	10+ seasons

As you can see from the table, The best choice for the Tohatsu 5 hp engine is the Oxford 600D polyurethane-coated fabric.It provides sufficient protection against precipitation while still having acceptable vapor permeability, unlike whole PVC, which will create a greenhouse effect.

Caring for textile protection of the motor

For a long-lasting case, it also needs to be taken care of, mud, salt (if you walk on the sea), and bird droppings can destroy the protective layer of fabric, it is recommended to wash the case periodically, at least once a season, and this should be done manually or in the washing machine at a delicate temperature of 30 degrees.

You can't use aggressive bleach or enzyme powders, because they can damage the water-repellent impregnation. You can use membrane washing agents or regular household soaps. After washing, you can only dry in the straightened form, away from the heaters.

Store the case in a dry place, preferably in a rolled-up form, rather than in a crumpled coma, which will prevent the formation of cracks on the inner protective layer that protects the plastic of the cap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I leave my motor in the sun all summer?

Yes, if the case is made of a material with UV protection (for example, Oxford with acrylic coating), however, it is better to remove the motor in the shade or under the canopy, since even the persistent fabrics degrade over time under direct beams, and the temperature inside the cap can increase significantly, which is not useful for the obals.

Will the case from Tohatsu 5 hp fit on the 6 hp engine?

Models. Tohatsu 5 and 6 hp often have similar cap geometry (especially two-stroke versions), but may differ in height or shape of the handle of the handle. You can try it on, but you can not guarantee tight protection and no sailing in the wind in this case.

How to store a cover in winter?

The case must be dried, dust-cleaned and folded in a cloth bag or cardboard box, do not store it in plastic bags without air to avoid debate, the storage area must be dry, without sudden temperature changes.

Is there a difference in the cases for two-stroke and four-stroke Tohatsu 5?

The main difference may be in the dimensions of the cap.MFS5C) often have a more massive upper casing due to the presence of a valve mechanism and an oil crankcase.M5BIt is recommended that the cover be strictly adapted to the specific engine modification.