Choosing an outboard motor for an inflatable or small-sized metal boat is a task that requires a balanced approach and a deep understanding of technical nuances. outboard motor 18 hp Tohatsu It is deservedly considered one of the leaders in the class of lightweight two-stroke units, offering the perfect power-to-weight ratio. This parameter is often crucial for owners of boats with lengths from 3 to 4 meters, which do not require the thrust of 30-strong monsters, but already lack weak 5-strong.
Tohatsu Japanese Engineering School is famous for its reliability and simplicity of design, which is especially valuable in remote fishing or hunting. Two-stroke cycle This work allows the engine to develop high specific power at a minimum mass, which is critical to maintaining the buoyancy and stability of small craft. In this article, we will discuss in detail the features of operation, technical specifications and maintenance secrets of this popular unit.
It is worth noting that Model MFS18E2S It's one of the most common modifications in the CIS market, which has proven to be an "unkillable" workhorse, and owning one of these motors imposes certain obligations to comply with maintenance regulations, but it becomes years of uninterrupted service. Let's dive into the world of boating technology and find out why this motor is chosen by thousands of water workers.
Technical specifications and design features
The heart of the unit is two-stroke It's a loop-blown shaft that allows for efficient combustion of the fuel mixture and stable operation in all modes, with a cylinder capacity of 246 cubic centimeters, which allows you to remove the declared power at relatively low rpm of the crankshaft, which minimizes vibration and noise, making it comfortable to be in the boat even for a long time.
The cooling system is built on the principle of forced circulation of off-shore water through a water pump located in the dead-wheel pipe. impeller The ignition system is an electronic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) that does not require adjustment of the gap of candles and provides a powerful spark in all weather conditions.
The engine is only about 36 kilograms, allowing it to be transported in the trunk of a passenger car without the use of a special trolley or loaders. The trunk mount is standard sizes compatible with most boats, and the lower unit lifting system facilitates the passage of shallow water.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 18 | hp (13.2 kW) |
| Workload | 246 | cube |
| Weight (with screw) | 36.0 | kilogram |
| Ignition system | CDI | electronic |
| Tank volume | 12 / 25 | litter |
Secrets of Japanese Assembly
Unlike many competitors assembled in China, Tohatsu 18 hp engines are often labeled "Made in Japan" to ensure the use of original bearings and quality aluminum alloys that are resistant to corrosion in salt water.
Fuel consumption and efficiency of operation
One of the main issues that concern potential owners is fuelFor a two-stroke engine with an output of 18 horsepower, this figure is directly dependent on the style of driving and loading the boat. At idle speeds, consumption is minimal, at about 0.6-0.8 liters per hour, which allows you to drift for a long time while waiting for a stick without having to shut down the engine.
At half-power (about 3,500-4000 rpm), which corresponds to the optimal cruising mode for most PVC boats, the flow rate is approximately 4-5 liters per hour, which allows you to travel considerable distances on a single tank of 12 liters. Maximum power It is achieved at revolutions of about 5000-5500 per minute, where consumption can grow to 7-8 liters, but it is not recommended to constantly operate the engine in this mode.
⚠️ Attention: The use of low-quality gasoline with an octane number below the AI-92 can lead to detonation and overheating of the piston group, which will significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce engine life.
To prepare a fuel mixture, the manufacturer's recommended ratio of oil and gasoline must be strictly observed (usually 1:50 for modern synthetic oils); breaking the proportion to increase the amount of oil will lead to candles and the formation of sodium, and a lack of lubrication will cause bullies in the cylinders. Saving on oil is a direct route to expensive overhaul.
Preparation for the season and the first launch
Before the first start of the new engine or after a long winter storage, a number of preparatory operations must be carried out, first of all, you should carefully inspect the unit for transport damage and check the tightening of all visible bolt connections. Transportation screw (if installed) must be removed and the dead-wheel tube checked for foreign objects.
Pay special attention to the installation of the propeller. You need to make sure that the veneer is installed correctly in the slot, and the screw attachment nut is securely fixed. Incorrect installation of the screw can lead to its flight at full speed or damage to the dried-wheel shaft. It is also recommended to check the condition of the fuel hoses and paging pears for cracks.
☑️ Checklist before first launch
The breaking in process is a critical step, on which the durability of the rubbing pairs of the engine depends. Tohatsu It recommends that multiple fuel tanks be developed in modes not exceeding half the maximum power, which allows the piston rings to properly blend into the cylinder walls, ensuring the necessary tightness and compression.
Regular maintenance and maintenance
Timely service is the key to a long life for you boat-engineThe work schedule is quite simple and understandable even for a beginner: every 10 hours or at the end of the season, you need to replace the oil in the gearbox. The presence of an emulsion ("condensed") in the waste oil indicates that water enters through the glands, which requires immediate replacement of the seals.
Ignition plugs require cleaning and checking the gap every 50 hours. Black colored carbon indicates a rich mixture or poor quality oil, white plaque - poor mixture or overheating. You should also lubricate all points of rotation and jointing (gas cable, gear shift axis, dried shaft) with special water-resistant lubricant.
The cooling system requires periodic washing, especially if the operation took place in salt water or muddy bodies of water. Clogging of water channels leads to rapid overheating and jamming of the piston group.
⚠️ Attention: Never start the engine without a submerged dead-wheel pipe or without connecting to the forced water supply system - this is guaranteed to disable the water pump and lead to overheating of the engine in a matter of seconds.
After each operation in salt water, be sure to rinse the engine with fresh water and let it work at idle speeds in a fresh water tank for 5-10 minutes to flush salt from the cooling system.
Typical malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Despite the high reliability, the technology can fail. sparklessnessFirst of all, check the candle: if it is wet and smells of gasoline, but there is no spark, perhaps the ignition coil or CDI sensor is faulty. If the candle is dry, the problem may be in the fuel supply or compression.
The engine can stall at high speeds due to clogging of the fuel filter or jelly carburetor. In two-stroke engines, there is also a frequent loss of tightness of the crankshaft glands, which leads to air sucking and impoverishment of the mixture. Diagnosis requires a consistent check of all systems.
Problems with the ignition system are often solved by replacing candles or checking high-voltage wires. If the engine is a Troit (operates on one cylinder), you should alternately remove the caps from the candles (with caution) and listen to the change in engine operation. If the nature of the work does not change when removing the cap from one of the candles, then this cylinder does not work.
The problem with gearshift
If the gear lever is tight or the gears are not turned on, check the switch cable. Often the problem is solved by simply lubricating the mechanism or adjusting the tension of the cable at the place of attachment to the motor.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
In the 18 hp class, Tohatsu's main competitors are Yamaha, Mercury and Suzuki. Yamaha 15-20bhp. Mercury is essentially a copy of Tohatsu (since it was produced in some factories), but can cost more because of the brand. Suzuki offers excellent performance, but often loses in the availability of parts in the regions.
Advantage Tohatsu 18bhp It's a time-tested design, consumables and a reasonable price, a motor for those who value practicality and don't want to overpay for marketing, perfect for Cayman, Flagship, PVC-320/360 and light metal kandak boats.
To sum up, this unit is the middle ground in the outboard world: it's powerful enough to plane with two adult passengers, light enough to be removed and delivered to one person, and if properly maintained, it will serve faithfully for many seasons.
The 18 hp Tohatsu outboard motor is the best choice for owners of boats 3-4 meters long, looking for a balance between power, weight and cost of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which oil is best used for the mixture?
For Tohatsu 18 hp engines, it is recommended to use special oils for two-stroke outboard motors labeled TC-W3. It is best to choose synthetic or semi-synthetic oils of well-known brands (Motul, Evinrude, Tohatsu), which provide good lubrication and minimal nagar formation. The mixing ratio is usually 1:50 for new TC-W3 engines and oils, but for older motors or mineral oils it may take 1:33 or 1:25.
Can this motor be used in salt water?
Yes, Tohatsu motors are adapted to work in salt water, but they require more careful care: a mandatory freshwater washing of the cooling system after each exit, regular lubrication of external moving parts and checking the state of anode protection (if installed), corrosion is the main enemy of any equipment at sea.
Which screw is better to put for fishing?
For fishing, where low-speed propulsion and overgrown driving are important, smaller-stroke propellers are often chosen. A standard propeller may not provide optimal speeds on a heavily loaded boat. It is recommended to experiment with propellers of different pitches (for example, 9, 10 or 11 inches) to achieve a working range of revs (5000-5500 rpm) at full load.
Why is the engine smoking?
Two-stroke engines always smoke more than four-stroke engines because of the oil burning in the mixture. However, excessive black smoke can indicate a re-enriched mixture (a lot of oil or problems with the carburetor) or soot on candles. Blue smoke is normal for a properly tuned two-stroke. White thick smoke can indicate water entering the combustion chamber (gasing breakdown).