Acquisition of new outboard It is always a significant event for the owner of the boat, but immediately after purchase, the device cannot be operated at full capacity. Proper running of the Tohatsu 18 outboard motor is a critical step, on which the life of the piston group and the durability of the entire unit directly depends. Tohatsu They have laid high tolerances in the design, but they take time to grind rubbing parts in real working conditions.
Many beginners make the fatal mistake of thinking that modern technology allows you to forget about the laundry procedure, but this is a misconception. Ignoring the regulations leads to the appearance of bullies on the cylinders and loss of compression, which entails expensive overhaul. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of the process in detail to your body. two-stroke He has served faithfully and faithfully for many years.
The process of preparing for the first launch requires care and safety, since working with combustible liquids and rotating mechanisms carries risks. Before pulling the starter, make sure that the motor is securely attached to the transom and the fuel system is sealed. Only after careful inspection of all components can you start the procedure that will lay the foundation for the reliability of your power plant.
⚠️ Warning: Never start the engine without water supply to the cooling system. Dry operation, even for a few seconds, will cause the water pump cover to overheat and deform.
Fuel mixture preparation and system inspection
Two-stroke engines, which include the model Tohatsu M18A2They don't have a separate crankcase lubrication system, so the oil has to go directly into the fuel. The quality of the mixture and the accuracy of the proportions are the determining factors for successful break-in. Use of substandard gasoline or expired oil can be a great deal of effort in the poke of new equipment.
For the break-in period, the manufacturer recommends using AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline in a mixture with a special two-stroke oil. 1:25 (40 ml of oil per 1 liter of gasoline) for the first tanks, which provides better lubrication of rubbing vapors.
Before starting, you need to visually inspect all the mounts, especially the dieweather mount bolts and the flywheel nuts. Vibration when working can weaken the puff, so control is mandatory. Also check the condition of the fuel filter-sludge and make sure that the fuel pump pear is filled and has no cracks.
- 🛢️ Use only specialized oil for two-stroke engines labeled TC-W3.
- ⛽ Thoroughly stir the fuel mixture in a separate canister before pouring into the tank.
- 🔧 Check the tightening of all the bolt connections of the deidwes and bracket.
- 💧 Make sure that the cooling system water intake is free of foreign objects.
Special attention should be paid to the ignition system and candles, although new engines have factory-mounted, they are better checked visually before the first operation, and the nagar or incorrect gap may indicate problems with the configuration of the carburetor or fuel quality.
breaking in stages: operating modes and time
The process of grinding engine parts takes a certain time, which cannot be reduced. Tohatsu The 18 hp system has two main stages: idling and AC loading, with a total break-in time of 10 hours, of which the first hour is devoted to work without loading.
During the first hour, the engine must be idling, providing oil circulation and initial burnout of the rings, during which time the throttle is not allowed to open sharply, after the first hour, the main stage begins when the boat goes to the water and the engine begins to work under real load.
It is important to keep the "frequency gas" mode during the main break-in, which means that you can't keep the throttle in one position for long, whether it's full idle or maximum speed, and the engine needs to "breathe" by changing the operating modes to warm up and cool down the different zones of the cylinder evenly.
The following table sets out the engine operating modes according to the time worked, and strictly following these recommendations ensures that the warranty is maintained and the life of the unit is extended.
| Time to work. | Throttle mode | Maximum loading | Duration of the phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 1 hour | Idle move | Up to 2000 rpm | 60 minutes. |
| 1- 2 hours | Variable gas | Up to 3000 rpm (50% power) | 60 minutes. |
| 2 - 10 hours | Variable gas | Up to 4500 rpm (80% power) | 480 minutes |
| More than 10 hours. | Full gas. | 100% power | No restrictions. |
After reaching the 10-hour mark, it is considered that the main parts are worn out and the engine is ready for operation in all modes, however, even after the official break-in is completed, it is recommended to avoid long periods of operation at full gas without interruption.
Working in the barrel and on the water: key differences
Many owners are wondering if you can run the whole thing in a barrel of water, and technically, you can start the motor and let it work on idlers, but you can only fully run it under load on water. You can't create a drag in the barrel that's like a boat, so the piston group won't get the necessary load to do the right laundry.
The first hour is usually spent in a barrel or a special pit to ensure that the cooling system is working properly and that there are no leaks. Make sure that the exhaust gases are discharged safely and do not enter the room. The water in the barrel should be constantly updated or circulated so that overheating does not occur due to the intake of already heated water.
Going out on the water marks the beginning of the second stage, and it's important not only to keep the speed, but also to keep track of the engine temperature. Tohatsu 18 It starts to overheat, you need to dump the gas and let it cool down on idle, and overheating during the break-in period is especially dangerous, since the thermal gaps have not yet stabilized.
Use a pyrometer thermometer to monitor the temperature of the cylinder head during the first launches on water, the norm for two-strokes is up to 50-60 degrees per touch near the thermostat (if any) or the exit of water.
When driving on water, avoid sharp jerks with the gas handle. Smooth opening of the throttle allows the oil to be evenly distributed across the cylinder walls. A sharp opening can lead to short-term oil starvation and local overheating of the piston.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice a sharp drop in power, the appearance of foreign knocks or a change in the color of the exhaust (black smoke), immediately turn off the engine and conduct a diagnosis.
Mixture control and maintenance in the process
During the first 10 hours of operation, the composition of the fuel mixture may require correction. If you use a 1:25 mixture, carefully monitor the color of the spark plug after the first hours of operation. The normal color of the electrode is brick-brown. Black plaque indicates over-enrichment of the mixture or excess oil, white plaque indicates impoverishment.
After every 2-3 hours of operation, it is recommended to check the tightening of the diewess mount bolts. Vibration during laundry is maximum, and the fastener may weaken. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the propeller. The absence of chips and bulls on the blades is critical to create the correct thrust and load on the engine.
Remember to flush the cooling system with fresh water after each exit, especially if you have been riding on salt water or water bodies with a lot of suspension, corrosion and deposits can begin in the first days of operation, if you do not wash away the aggressive salts.
- 🔍 Check the condition of the spark plug after each day of running.
- 🔩 Pull the motor mount bolts to the transom before each start.
- 🧼 Wash the cooling system with fresh water after use in salt water.
- ⛽ Do not store the fuel mixture for more than one month, it loses its properties.
The quality of the fuel is also important. Try to refuel only at proven gas stations. Gasolines high in alcohol or water can cause detonation, which during the break-in can destroy the piston.
Typical errors in breaking in
The most common mistake is that the motor is running continuously, and many users take the boat out for planing and hold the gas in one position for hours. two-stroke It's like death in the break-in period. The piston gets hot, and there's no uniform cooling and lubrication.
The second mistake is using old-fashioned oils or trimmer oils, and outboard motor oils have a special basis to ensure combustion without producing a lot of sodium, and the usual mineral oil will clog the exhaust windows and muffler, reducing power and increasing the risk of overheating.
What happens if you don’t change the oil in the gearbox after running?
Although two-stroke engines burn oil, the gearbox (the lower part of the daywes) contains transmission oil that does not burn, and after the first 10-20 hours of operation it must be replaced, as it can become an emulsion (water) or metal shavings from the grinding of gears.
The third mistake is ignoring the first signs of malfunction, and if the engine starts to "trick" or stop on idles, don't wait for the end of the break-in. It's better to lose an hour to adjust the carburetor or replace the candle than then change the piston group.
Completion of the break-in and first TO
After 10 hours of running, the break-in procedure is complete, the engine is now ready to run at full speed, but that doesn't mean that maintenance can be stopped, but instead, it's time for the first scheduled maintenance.
The first part of the process is to replace the oil in the gearbox, check the tightening of all bolt joints, lubricate the lower unit lubrication points and clean the carburetor of possible deposits. It is also recommended to check the compression to make sure that the rings are properly worn and ensure tightness.
☑️ Checklist of the first TO
Properly conducted running is a guarantee that your Tohatsu 18 It will give you a steady traction and economy over the course of many seasons, so don't save time at this point, and the engine will give you a reliable performance.
The main secret of the long life of the Tohatsu 18 engine is not so much a complex technique, as a discipline in observing the modes of operation and the quality of the fuel mixture in the first 10 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can synthetic oil be used to run Tohatsu 18?
Yes, you can, and you should. TC-W3 synthetic oils provide better lubrication at high temperatures and burn with less soda, which is critical for two-stroke motors. Make sure the oil is designed specifically for water cooling.
What if the mixture of 1:25 ended during the break-in, there is only 1:50?
In an emergency, you can add 1:50 to the mixture, but try not to give the engine maximum load, it is better to dilute the available fuel with pure oil to bring the ratio closer to 1:25 or at least 1:30 to complete the break-in stage.
Do I need to adjust the carburetor after running?
Factory setting of the carburetor is usually optimal. However, if after running the engine does not hold idle or has dips when abruptly opening the gas, it may be necessary (fine tuning) screws quality and quantity of mixture.
How much gasoline do you need to run full?
The engine consumption of 18 hp on the running modes is approximately 3-5 liters per hour. For a full cycle of 10 hours, you will need about 40-50 liters of the finished fuel mixture. It is recommended to have a stock of 60 liters of the mixture.