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Tohatsu Outboards
Break-In Periods

The following charts show the standard "break-in" periods for Tohatsu outboards (2-stroke and 4-stroke). The break-in period is the most critical time in the life of your Tohatsu outboard. Correct operation during the break-in period will prolong the life of your new outboard and will ensure optimum performance. Properly breaking-in your new outboard will ensure the initial smooth operation and lubrication of all moving parts (pistons, gears, bearings, etc).

2-Stroke Outboards (Carbureted)

All carbureted 2-strokes must run with "double-oil" during the break-in period. Normally your Tohatsu outboard uses a 50:1 oil/fuel mixture (1 pint of oil for every 6 gallons of gas). During the break-in period you should use a 25:1 oil/fuel mixture (2 pints of oil for every 6 gallons of gas). See our oil/fuel chart for more info on the 50:1 / 25:1 ratios.

Tohatsu 2-stroke outboards use TCW3 oil which is specially formulated for 2-stroke outboards. Do not use automotive motor oil or any other type of oil in your Tohatsu 2-stroke outboard. We do not recommend mixing different brands of oil (or even different kinds of oil of the same brand). The mixing of different brands of oil may cause gelling which may cause blockage of the filter screens. This could lead to serious engine damage due to the lack of lubrication.

As a result of running your outboard with a double-oil mixture, it is normal for your engine to emit more exhaust smoke than normal. You may also notice oil coming from the around the prop and/or from the exhaust relief port hole (located near the top of the lower unit) during this period. This is completely normal and you should see this excess oil eliminated once you finish your break-in period and resume the normal 50:1 oil/fuel mixture.

After your break-in period has been completed,  you should change your lower unit gear case oil. For complete step-by-step instructions on how to change the lower unit gear case oil click here.

2.5-3.5 hp | 5 hp | 8-9.8 hp | 15-18 hp | 25-30 hp | 40-50 hp | 70-90 hp | 120-140 hp | 4-Stroke Outboards |

2.5-3.5 hp
(2-Stroke)

1-10
min.

10 min.-
3 hrs.

3-5
hours

 After 5 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 500-3500
rpm
Approx. 4000 rpm  

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5 hp
(2-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

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8-9.8 hp
(2-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

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15 hp
(2-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

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25-30 hp
(2-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

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40-50 hp 
(2-Str)
(3 cyl)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min.

 

Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  
Note: If your Tohatsu 40/50 hp 3-cylinder outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.

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70-90 hp 
(2-Str)
(3 cyl)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

Note: If your Tohatsu 70/90 hp 3-cylinder outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.

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120-140 hp 
(2-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

Note: If your Tohatsu 120/140 hp outboard is equipped with "oil injection" (automixing of oil/fuel) you should prepare your fuel/oil ratio at 50:1 in the gas tank in addition to using the oil injection feature during the break-in period.

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4-Stroke Outboards

CAUTION:  Tohatsu 4-Stroke Outboards DO NOT come with engine oil already installed. You must add engine oil before attempting to start your 4-stroke outboard for the first time. Failure to do so will result in extensive damage to your outboard.

We recommend using any type of engine oil with a rating of SAE10W-40 (API Grade SG, SF, SH, or SJ). Use unleaded gasoline only (89 octane or above is recommended).

After your break-in period has been completed,  you should change your lower unit gear case oil. For complete step-by-step instructions on how to change the lower unit gear case oil click here.

4-5-6 hp
(4-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm max.
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

Note: This outboard  is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp. When the warning lamp is off, it indicates that sufficient oil pressure is present. If the warning lamp is on (red light is on) or blinking on and off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If oil level is at the appropriate levels, consult your Tohatsu dealer for assistance. Never run your outboard if the warning lamp is on or blinking on/off.

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9.9-15 - 18 hp
(4-Str)

1-10
min.

10 min. -2 hrs.

2-3
hours

3-10
hours

 After 10 hours

Throttle Position

Idle

Less than 1/2 throttle Less than 3/4 throttle 3/4 throttle Full throttle available
Speed   Approx. 3000
rpm max.
Full throttle run allowed for 1 min. every 10 min. Approx. 4000 rpm. Full throttle run allowed for 2 min. every 10 min.  

Note: This outboard  is equipped with an Engine Oil Warning Lamp. When the warning lamp is off, it indicates that sufficient oil pressure is present. If the warning lamp is on (red light is on) or blinking on and off, immediately shut down your outboard and check the oil level. Replenish as needed. If oil level is at the appropriate levels, consult your Tohatsu dealer for assistance. Never run your outboard if the warning lamp is on or blinking on/off.

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