2013 30hp Tohatsu/Nissan EFI wont start weird problem

[Chris5758]

So, years ago I had the fuel pump fail on my Tohatsu/Nissan/Mercury... engine. Great motor, when it runs. I replaced the fuel pump (electric) and I was back up and running for many more years until last month which left my stranded on the lake but only a km from boat launch. My 17 year old knew what it was like to paddle a 500lb boat a km against the wind.

I assumed the fuel pump went again so I tested it on a 12 volt battery, and its fine. I ordered 2 more new pumps and installed the newer one. Engine would not start.

Heres where it gets weird. I have the service manual so I checked the diagnostic flow chart and checked the voltage from the FFP connector at the VST, I had 13.8 volts, yet the pump would not run. I checked the short little lead from the FFP connector to the outside connector on the VST and I hand continuity. Then I checked for voltage right at the connector that attaches to the FFP. 13.8 volts. These checks were done under no load conditions, meaning the FFP was not attached. I'm going to check the voltage this morning with the pump attached under a load condition. I suspect the ECU is crapping out once a load is attached to the FFP. If thats the case then I guess I need a new ECU...and they aren't cheap. I have found a number companies who will repair bad ECU's.

 

[pvanv]

MFS30C? Are the plugs wet or dry?

 

[Chris5758]

MFS30C? Are the plugs wet or dry?

MFS30B. Plugs are dry. I just tested the FFP leads at the pump. With pump hooked up, 0.0 VDC. Without the pump, 13.8VDC. So, under load it's reading zero volts.

 

[pvanv]

So either the pump is shorted, or you can't deliver enough power. That's either bad wiring (corrosion) or a bad ECU.

 

[Chris5758]

Yep. It's unfortunate because the ECU is $1,200. Emailed a few places for test and repair, waiting on a response. Thanks.

 

[Chris5758]

UPDATE;

So I emailed a few places regarding repairing the ECU but have yet to get a response. Not good. I also read reviews about ECU repair and it's hit or miss.

I emailed Tohatsu North America and have yet to hear back regarding my complaint about their grossly overpriced ECU. It would be nice to get a surprise in the mail in the form of a new ECU...but I doubt it.

In the mean time I purchased a new 2021 Yamaha F25C which I pick up shortly.

The next dilemma will be what to do with this Tohatsu that has hardly been used, maybe 2-3 times per year over that last 7 years. I doubt it has 100 hours on it. Sell as scrap or suck up the $1,500CDN on a new ECU or try and find a used one that might work. I may just try and sell it "as is" non working and take what I can for it.

 

[Sea Rider]

Yes, it's a shame that electronic parts costs so much, Tohatsu should lower their expensive parts prices and retain boaters boating with their motors and not give way for them to leave their brand towards other as the OP has experienced.

But the harsh reality is that Tohatsu it's not the only motor brand that makes such practices, all other motor brands does exact same as have been able to verify..

Happy Boating​

 

[pvanv]

MSRP for the ECU for the MFS30B is $1368, but everyone discounts them, sometimes as low as $1K. Currently out of stock in North America.

 

[Chris5758]

MSRP for the ECU for the MFS30B is $1368, but everyone discounts them, sometimes as low as $1K. Currently out of stock in North America.

Yes, I noticed that they were out of stock. I see boats.net sells them. Not sure if i'll just sell the motor as 'non working' and get what I can for it. I have 6 months to figure out what I'll do since fall/winter is upon us here in Toronto. In the mean time I did pick up a new Yamaha F25. The first thing i noticed is the Yamaha idles consistently, whereas the Tohatsu's idle was always erratic from the first day I bought it. Anyway I'll keep an eye out for a second hand one but I may be gambling on if its a working unit or not.

 

[Chris5758]

Yes, it's a shame that electronic parts costs so much, Tohatsu should lower their expensive parts prices and retain boaters boating with their motors and not give way for them to leave their brand towards other as the OP has experienced.

But the harsh reality is that Tohatsu it's not the only motor brand that makes such practices, all other motor brands does exact same as have been able to verify..

Happy Boating​

Before I bought the Yamaha 25 I checked the price on a ECU. Around $475. that I can handle but not $1,300++ for the Tohatsu ECU.

 

[Chris5758]

I just received the new ECU (@$1,800CDN) and installed it today. I was stressed to say the least because of the money I had to fork out, and hoping that I had diagnosed the issue accurately. I installed fresh gas and cranked.....and cranked, some bad language, cranked, more foul language, and it finally started strong. What a relief. I noticed idle was stronger and consistent as opposed to the original ECU which idled very low and erratic since it was new. Lemon? Anyway, it's up for sale and I'm hoping it will be gone very soon. Looking forward to trying out my new Yamaha f25c which I hope will be a little more reliable.