Must my 5hp outboard be serviced?

Boracay · 20-08-2008, 21:05

I just took my two month old 5hp Tohatsu to the dealer for it's initial service.
Only $50 and they should have torqued all the bolts, checked gear oil, plug, compression, wiring, carburetor, timing and a whole heap of other things.
I was told that it was necessary even though it had 2 hours tops on it.

My question is : Is this service really necessary? This is not an expensive motor.

Mostly when I buy something these days I use it until it is stolen, superseded
or (very rarely) breaks.

Can I do the service myself?

**Ex-Calif** · 20-08-2008, 23:49

Unless it voids the warranty I would do it myself.

And if the warranty has something about needing to be done by a Tohatsu dealer then (in the US) it would be anti-competitive and likely unenforceable.

I also guarantee I'd do it better than the 17 y/o working at the Tohatsu dealer.

So... I'd do it myself.

**GordMay** · 21-08-2008, 04:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boracay

... they should have torqued all the bolts, checked gear oil, plug, compression, wiring, carburetor, timing and a whole heap of other things...
...Can I do the service myself?

Of course you can DIY, if you know the proper bolt torques, compression specifications, and a whole heap of other things.

Defender (& others) sell Shop Manuals:
Goto:
http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|215570|530904|292251&id=314577

ssullivan · 21-08-2008, 05:10

I asked the same question of my local Honda dealer. I know it isn't Tohatsu, but the Honda dealer's answer was that you could perform any service (up to taking apart the power head) without voiding your warranty.

I asked about things like:

*Adjusting idle
*Adjusting carb settings
*Changing gear oil
*Routine maintenance

All were OK with Honda, anyway.

s/v 'Faith' · 21-08-2008, 08:11

Where are you hearing about this 'required' service? I have a Tohatsu 6hp, which is the same motor with a different carb. I read the manual, and all I came up with was that I was to follow the break in period, and change the oil at 10 hours....

Is this just something your dealer made up?

20-08-2008, 21:05	#1
Boracay Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: nr Blackwattle Bay,Sydney, NSW, Australia Boat: Steel Roberts Offshore 44 Posts: 1,278 Images: 12	Must my 5hp outboard be serviced? I just took my two month old 5hp Tohatsu to the dealer for it's initial service. Only $50 and they should have torqued all the bolts, checked gear oil, plug, compression, wiring, carburetor, timing and a whole heap of other things. I was told that it was necessary even though it had 2 hours tops on it. My question is : Is this service really necessary? This is not an expensive motor. Mostly when I buy something these days I use it until it is stolen, superseded or (very rarely) breaks. Can I do the service myself? __________________ Rust never sleeps Boracay Blog.

20-08-2008, 23:49	#2
Ex-Calif Moderator Site Helper Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Boat: Maxi 77 - Relax Lah! & J24 Born in Fire Posts: 3,270 Images: 4	Unless it voids the warranty I would do it myself. And if the warranty has something about needing to be done by a Tohatsu dealer then (in the US) it would be anti-competitive and likely unenforceable. I also guarantee I'd do it better than the 17 y/o working at the Tohatsu dealer. So... I'd do it myself. __________________ Dan Relax Lah! - Changi Sailing Club Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available - Benford

21-08-2008, 08:11	#5
s/v 'Faith' Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Crusing between NC, Bahamas, & Pensacola FL Boat: 1964 Pearson Ariel 'Faith' Posts: 244	Who is recommending the service? Where are you hearing about this 'required' service? I have a Tohatsu 6hp, which is the same motor with a different carb. I read the manual, and all I came up with was that I was to follow the break in period, and change the oil at 10 hours.... Is this just something your dealer made up? __________________ If you have a small boat and plan to Sail Far visit; http://sailfar.net Stop by and visit!

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21-08-2008, 05:10	#4
ssullivan Commercial Vendor Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 4,531 Images: 1	I asked the same question of my local Honda dealer. I know it isn't Tohatsu, but the Honda dealer's answer was that you could perform any service (up to taking apart the power head) without voiding your warranty. I asked about things like: Adjusting idle Adjusting carb settings Changing gear oil Routine maintenance All were OK with Honda, anyway.