Choosing an outboard motor for an inflatable boat or a light boat often comes down to finding a balance between price and reliability. In the low-end engine segment, the Chinese brand is a big name. Parsun The 20 horsepower model is considered the “golden mean” for many aquatic engines, as it allows you to plane even with a full load, while remaining quite compact.
In this article, we will discuss the technical features in detail. Parsun T20We'll talk about the nuances of its running and discuss the real fuel consumption. Many owners face myths about the unreliability of Chinese equipment, but competent maintenance and proper use can extend the life of the unit for many years. Understanding the design features of this engine will help you avoid typical errors in operation.
It is worth noting that this engine is based on a proven architecture that copies the solutions. Tohatsu In the past, it's a maintenance tool that's easy for mechanics to understand, and even though it's simple, it's a little bit nuanced in the way you set up the ignition and fuel mix, and let's look at what's underneath the plastic casing and how to make it work at maximum efficiency.
Technical specifications and design features
The Parsun 20 hp is a classic two-stroke, water-cooled unit, weighing about 45 kilograms, making it relatively easy to transport but massive enough to quench vibrations at high speeds. The daywoot design is designed to work in shallow water, although it requires careful passage of overgrown areas.
The key element here is the system. CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)It's a carburetor that's mounted on a motor that's usually labeled Mikuni or its Chinese equivalent, making it easier to find parts. It's important to understand that the 20 hp rated power is only achieved when you set it up properly and use the recommended fuel.
⚠️ Attention: Using pure gasoline without adding oil will cause instantaneous jamming of the piston group. Mix the fuel in the strict proportion specified in the instructions.
The cooling system is built in a closed loop with water intake through the water intake located at the bottom of the DW. The wing pump is made of rubber that is sensitive to overheating when operating "dry." So the start of the motor out of the water should not last more than a few seconds, solely to check the spark or starter.
Hidden power and modifications
Some craftsmen try to remove the restrictions from the engine by changing the settings of the carburetor or petal valve. However, this leads to overheating and a decrease in life, since the safety margin of parts is designed specifically for the standard 20 hp.
breaking in process: step-by-step instructions
The running of a new outboard motor is a critical step, and 80 percent of its future life depends on it. In the first hours of operation, the piston rings are rubbed against the cylinders and the bearings are lapped to the crankshaft. Ignoring the rules of running can lead to bullies and loss of compression in the future, taking about 10 hours or two full tanks of fuel mixture.
The first phase lasts about 10-15 minutes, and you have to work at idle speeds or at a minimum speed of 2,000 rpm, don't try to reach your top speed right away, the engine has to warm up evenly, and the parts have to take their working forms under load.
☑️ Checklist for start of break-in
The next 1.5-2 hours of operation should be carried out in a mode not exceeding 50% of the maximum power. This is the optimal mode for planing a light boat with one person. After the first tank of the mixture is developed, it is recommended to replace the spark plug with a new one, since the old one could be covered with soak due to the rich mixture when break-in.
The final break-in phase involves short-term full-gas outputs (no more than 2-3 minutes in a row) followed by a decrease in speed. This helps to "open" the engine and check its operation under maximum load. After 10 hours of operation, be sure to replace the oil in the redtor and check the tightening of all bolt joints, as the vibration may weaken them.
During the break-in, use a richer oil mixture (1:25 instead of the standard 1:50), unless the manufacturer has indicated otherwise, which will provide better lubrication of rubbing vapors in the initial period.
Fuel consumption and efficiency of operation
One of the main questions when choosing a motor is its appetite. Parsun 20 It consumes an average of 6 to 9 liters of fuel mixture per hour, depending on the load and the state of the carburetor setting. At a cruising speed of about 70-80% of the maximum power, the flow rate is kept in the region of 5-6 liters.
The actual flow rate is very much dependent on the propeller and the condition of the boat. If the bottom is overgrown with algae or the propeller has damage (blade bending), the engine has to work at higher speeds to maintain speed, which dramatically increases gasoline consumption. Also affects the quality of fuel: low octane number can cause detonation and inefficient combustion.
| Mode of work | Turnovers (roughly) | Mixture flow rate (L/hour) | Speed (km/h)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle move | 800-1000 | 0.8 - 1.2 | 0 - 2 |
| trolling | 2500-3000 | 3.5 - 4.5 | 6 - 8 |
| Cruiser | 4500-5000 | 5.5 - 6.5 | 30 - 35 |
| Full gas. | 5500-6000 | 8.0 - 9.5 | 40 - 45 |
* Speed is indicated for an inflatable boat 3.6-3.8 meters long with one operator. To save fuel, it is important to choose the right pitch of the propeller: too large a step will make the engine roar without acceleration, and too small will not allow you to get on plane, forcing you to work in a transition mode, where the flow rate is highest.
Carburetor adjustment and idling adjustment
Factory setting of the carburetor Parsun 20 It may not be ideally suited to the climatic conditions of your region or the quality of the fuel available. Often owners face unstable idling or “failures” when a throttle is opened abruptly, and the adjustment is made using screws of quality and quantity of mixture, accessed from the side of the carburetor.
Before you start adjusting, you have to warm the engine to operating temperature. The mix quality screw (usually marked or closer to the intake manifold) is twisted to the point, but without fanaticism, and then twisted 1.5-2 revolutions. This is the basic setting. Next, rotating the number screw, you get the engine to work steadily on idles.
⚠️ Attention: A poor mixture (low gasoline, lots of air) is more dangerous than a rich one. It causes the piston to overheat and can cause burnout. If the engine dies when the gas is sharp, the mixture is likely poor.
If the motor sneezes or shoots at the muffler, this is a sure sign of impaired mixing. It is also worth checking the condition of the petal valve. Petals should fit tightly to the body and have no chips. A gap between the petal and the body even 0.1 mm can lead to reverse cotton and unstable operation at low speeds.
The procedure for the unstable XX:1. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes.
2. set the maximum speed of the screw.
3. Rotor quantity to reduce the speed to the desired (900-1000 rpm).
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for fine-tuning.
Typical malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Despite the reliability, the technology can fail, and the most common problem is the lack of a spark or a slight spark. 90% of the time, the spark plug or the spark plug is the fault. hall-sensorIt is also worth checking the gap between the flywheel magnet and the ignition coil, it should be 0.3-0.4 mm.
The second common problem is overheating: If the temperature indicator does not catch fire and the engine begins to lose power, perhaps the water intake is clogged or the impeller of the pump collapsed. The operation of the engine with a faulty cooling system is unacceptable - jamming occurs in minutes.
Timely replacement of the impeller pump (once in 2-3 seasons) is cheaper than replacing the entire cylinder head after overheating.
Third point is gear shifting problems. If the gear lever is tight or knocks out the gear, you need to check the gearbox and the gearbox. Shift mechanism Often, it is enough to lubricate the hinges and tighten the rope to fix the problem, wear of the slits on the switch shaft is less common and requires disassembling the gearbox.
Comparison with competitors and final conclusions
There are many analogues on the market, such as Hidea, Tohatsu or YamahaParsun is a big winner for the top brands for less money, but the materials can be less durable than the corrosion-resistant coatings, and if you plan to use the motor in salt water, you'll need more care and fresh water washing after every fishing trip.
In the dry residue, Parsun 20 It's a great choice for summer residents, fishermen and water lovers who are not willing to overpay for the brand, but want a reliable tool. With the observance of the rules of running and regular maintenance, this engine can work hundreds of hours without serious investment.
The main advantage of the model is the availability of spare parts and the simplicity of the design, allowing you to perform repairs yourself in the field, for many it becomes a decisive factor when buying. If you are looking for a workhorse for periodic trips, this option will be one of the most rational ones today.
Should I buy a Parsun B/U?
Buying a used motor is justified if you can diagnose compression and bearing condition, and often these motors are sold because of the desire to go to 4 bars, not because of a breakdown.
What is the best gasoline for the Parsun 20?
It is recommended to use AI-95 gasoline with an octane number of at least 95. the use of AI-92 is possible, but may require adjustment of the ignition angle or lead to detonation under load, which is harmful to the piston.
Do I need to keep the motor upright?
Yes, it is recommended to store and transport a two-stroke engine in a strictly upright position, and a slope of more than 45 degrees can lead to oil leaking into the cylinder through the exhaust window, which will cause a hydraulic shock on the next start.
How often do you change the oil in the gearbox?
The oil in the gearbox is changed at least once a season, preferably before winter preservation, which allows you to remove possible water and metal shavings formed during the operation of the gears.
Why does the engine stop at high speeds?
Most often, the cause of fuel failure is a jammed jet, a polluted fuel filter, or a broken tank ventilation, and it's also worth checking the angle of ignition that might have been lost due to vibration.