Welcome
to the step-by-step guide to changing your outboard's
lower unit oil. This 8-step process is all it takes to
ensure the oil in your lower unit is properly
maintained.
The
chart at the end of this guide lists the approximate
amount of oil needed to fill the lower unit of each
model currently offered by Tohatsu.
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First, be sure your outboard is in a vertical and upright position. Locate and identify the upper and lower Fill & Drain Plugs. Place an oil drain pan beneath the outboard. |
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Remove the BOTTOM drain plug first (not the top). Some oil will begin to trickle out so be sure your oil drain pan is positioned correctly to catch the draining oil. |
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Next, remove the TOP drain plug. This will release the vacuum that exists and allow the oil to drain freely from the lower unit. |
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Let all of the oil drain completely from the lower unit. This will take about 5-10 minutes. |
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Once
all the oil has completely drained out it is time to refill the lower unit. There are several types of
apparatuses available ranging from squeeze bottles
to tubes. One of the more popular "do-it-yourself" methods is to use a
squeeze bottle. |
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To refill the lower unit, insert the bottle/tube into the BOTTOM drain hole. Then slowly squeeze the bottle to force the oil into the lower unit. |
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Continue adding oil until the lubricant is flowing freely from the top hole and is free from air bubbles. |
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Keep the bottle/tube in the bottom plug (or plug the hole with your finger) and re-install the TOP plug. This will create a slight vacuum that will minimize the oil loss while you reinstall the bottom plug. |
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Now, QUICKLY remove the bottle (or your finger) from the bottom hole and install the drain plug. It is important to do this as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of oil loss. Even though there is a slight vacuum, there will still be some loss of oil. Do not be concerned about losing some oil, however, if you lose an excessive amount of oil you will need to go back and add additional oil. Hand tighten both the lower and upper drain plugs and wipe off any oil on your lower unit. |
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WARNING: Running your outboard without completely filling the
lower unit with oil to the proper level will cause
severe damage to your outboard. See the comments at the
end of this guide on how to check for the proper oil
level in your lower unit.
Be
sure and properly dispose of your old oil by taking it
to an oil recycling center. Most "quick lube"
oil change centers or auto service stations will accept
your used oil for a nominal fee.
Comments: To check your oil level, remove the top oil plug, insert
a small piece of wire straight into the top hole
approximately 1 inch and withdraw the wire. If oil is on
the wire the oil level is correct, if not the unit must
be refilled to the correct level.
To
add ("top-off") oil install the top plug
again, remove the bottom plug and put your oil bottle
into the hole. Remove the top plug to release the vacuum
and add the necessary amount of oil. Reinstall the top
plug, then quickly reinstall the bottom plug. Check the
oil level once again as described above.
Lower Unit Oil Needed by Model | |
Model |
Approximate Fluid Ounces Required |
2A & 3.5A (4-stroke) | 6.1 fl oz |
2.5A & 3.5A (2-stroke) | 3.0 fl oz |
3.5B (2-stroke) | 6.0 fl oz |
4 (4-stroke) | 6.6 fl oz |
5 (2-str/4-str) | 6.6 fl oz |
6 (4-stroke) | 6.6 fl oz |
8 (2-str/4-str) | 10.8 fl oz |
9.8 (2-str/4-str) | 10.8 fl oz |
9.9 (2-stroke) | 12.5 fl oz |
9.9A (4-stroke) | 6.8 fl oz |
9.9B (4-stroke) | 12.5 fl oz |
15 (2-stroke) | 12.5 fl oz |
15A (4-stroke) | 6.8 fl oz |
15B (4-stroke) | 12.5 fl oz |
18 (2-str/4-str) | 12.5 fl oz |
25 (2-stroke) | 14.5 fl oz |
25 (4-stroke) | 9.5 fl oz |
30 (2-stroke) | 14.5 fl oz |
30 (4-stroke) | 9.5 fl oz |
40C (2 cyl) | 15.9 fl oz |
40D (3 cyl) | 16.9 fl oz |
MD40 (TLDI) | 16.9 fl oz |
50D (3 cyl) | 16.9 fl oz |
MD50 (TLDI) | 16.9 fl oz |
70B (3 cyl) | 23.7 fl oz |
70C (3 cyl) | 30.4 fl oz |
MD70 (TLDI) | 30.4 fl oz |
90A (2-stroke) | 30.4 fl oz |
MD90 (TLDI) | 30.4 fl oz |
115A (2-stroke) | 30.4 fl oz |
MD115 (TLDI) | 30.4 fl oz |
140A (2-stroke) | 30.4 fl oz |