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Old 24-06-2021, 10:38   #1
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TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

So was gifted this 9.8 outboard and was working fine first time I tested it, started first pull ran smooth.

Second time I used It same starting process started right up drove for about an hour then docked. Went to get back in and it was taking a couple pulls and still not starting finally got it to, ran smooth another 30 mins till I was Back. Beached it turned off again then this is when it wouldn’t turn back on only until like 40 pulls also was slipping out of forward into N. Finally got back home tried the motor yesterday for a test, started right up let run for a couple of mins went to put in the choke shut off, wouldn’t start again after that.

So that’s where I am now trying to trouble shoot any help would be awesome!
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Old 24-06-2021, 10:44   #2
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

I would start by cleaning the carburetor...
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Old 24-06-2021, 10:57   #3
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Ditto on the carb cleaning. Mine started giving me trouble a couple weeks ago. Mentioning the problem to a few people back at the marina, I got the consistent answer that I should be using ethanol-free gas, not just adding the marine fuel stabilizer as I had been doing. Cleaning the carb and swapping out the gas resolved the issue.
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Old 24-06-2021, 11:17   #4
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

We are working on it now, seems like maybe it’s not getting spark to the plugs.
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Old 24-06-2021, 12:41   #5
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

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Originally Posted by Ryanmackphoto View Post
We are working on it now, seems like maybe it’s not getting spark to the plugs.
Usually eletronic failures are sudden and carb/fuel supply issues come on more gradually like the symptoms described on this thread.

The Tohatsu 9.8, like many small modern OBs, has really simple electronics. The electronics pack typically either works or it dont. They are usually potted to so no practical way to repair, just replace.

The Tohatsu 9.8 was a good little motor, especially nice that its design saved weight too. However, some had an issue with the alloys used in their castings and would corrode like crazy in salt water. I used to have one with that issue and finally sold it for parts as chunks of the cast bits just started to break off in my hands.
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Old 24-06-2021, 12:53   #6
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

If lack of spark is suspected, look for worn through cables around and under the fly wheel.
Also kill switch and connecting wires.
Sometimes water gets into the kill switch.
These work normally open, and close when you either push the button or pull out the lanyard, so just disconnect the the cable and try to start.
If it starts just reconnect to stop.
Dave
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Old 24-06-2021, 13:03   #7
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

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Originally Posted by redog View Post
If lack of spark is suspected, look for worn through cables around and under the fly wheel.
Also kill switch and connecting wires.
Sometimes water gets into the kill switch.
These work normally open, and close when you either push the button or pull out the lanyard, so just disconnect the the cable and try to start.
If it starts just reconnect to stop.
Dave
Good points, even though the main electronic bits are potted there are some connections that can cause trouble.
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Old 24-06-2021, 13:16   #8
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Just confirmed both plugs are getting spark.
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Old 24-06-2021, 15:06   #9
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

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Originally Posted by Ryanmackphoto View Post
Just confirmed both plugs are getting spark.
Clean the carb, an extremely high percentage of small engine problems are carb/fuel related. Good skill to have too.
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Old 24-06-2021, 15:42   #10
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Old fuel causing sticky float and needle valve.
Primer bulb on fuel hose not functioning correctly. It has a one way valve in it.
Hold bulb upright in direction of flow and confirm it gets hard with pressure. Airlock in the fuel hose.
Attaining pressure here you can still have a sticky float.
You could also have a bit of crap in behind the mixture screw. Before removing, screw all the way in counting the number of turns and part's of turns, so that you have a point of reference when replacing.
Cheers
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Old 24-06-2021, 18:07   #11
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Drained the carb twice, reconnect sparks and wires started right up no issues. Started the rest of the day and drove properly.

Not sure what was the main issue was or if it was all of them, no onto my shifter issue!
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Old 24-06-2021, 19:06   #12
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

I would be checking the fuel tank for water and or crud in the bottom, it's normally the reason to your diagnosis.
It doesn't take much water
The water moves I relation to the pick-up as the angle of the boat / tank changes giving intermittent problems.
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Old 25-06-2021, 11:42   #13
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Yeah, if just draining the bowl fixed it you've likely got some fuel issues. Dump or filter the old fuel in the tank. Clean out tank. Refill. And while you're are it, install a fuel filter.
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Old 25-06-2021, 11:48   #14
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Those engines have a small fuel filter easily visible under the housing. Probably a good idea to replace that too.
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Old 25-06-2021, 11:49   #15
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Re: TOHATSU 9.8 won’t start

Epic! Going to do this thanks for the help! Anyone have tips on the shifter not working properly/not going into gear or staying into gear.

The motor was given to me and pretty sure he hit a bunch of stuff with it can the prop looks like he’ll. So thinking the shifting rod is bent.
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