Idle Hole water flow on Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke

[yynhymr]

I just bought tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke, short shaft that is probably from around 2003. It is immaculate and was used only in fresh water. When running, I get strong water flow out of the check port but water barely spits out of the idle hole. If I remember correctly, my last Tohatsu 8, which is virtually identical threw a steady stream from the idle hole. I flushed the 9.8 with muffs for 10-15 minutes and tried to clear any blockage with 1/8" monofilament line but had no luck.<br /><br />Can someone confirm/correct my belief that I should get more than a light spitting of h2o from this hole and also let me know how I might clear a blockage?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Idle Hole water flow on Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke

Most of the water is put out through the propeller. It's a matter of degree as to how much should be coming out of the leg exhaust, but if the engine is not getting hot, then it is not a problem.

 

[yynhymr]

Re: Idle Hole water flow on Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke

Elvin -<br /><br />Thanks for the info. I don't have much experience with outboards so I'm looking for something quantifiable as a guide - how hot is too hot? How much water should come from the idle hole (right now it would take forever for the output to fill a dixie cup, whereas the pee hole would fill one in well under a minute)? I read in an old post (from you I think) that the block should be hot to the touch, but not so hot that you might burn yourself. My upper cylinder is easy to touch at idle, but if I increase the RPMs to about 1/4 WOT with muffs and no load on the motor, the lower cylinder gets too hot to touch for more than a second or two. The upper cylinder gets hotter than when idling, but is touchable for 3-4 seconds.<br /><br />Any guidance is greatly appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Jim

 

[yynhymr]

Re: Idle Hole water flow on Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke

Stopped by a local outboard shop today and was told the 9.8 Tohatsu has a thermostat which controls the flow out of the idle hole. Apparently, little-to-no water should flow out of that hole unless and until the thermostat opens. If this is bad info could someone please let e know?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Idle Hole water flow on Tohatsu 9.8 2-stroke

The thermostat controls the flow of the water through the head, but the water still flows out the leg exhaust hole and through the prop. As to how much...There is no set amount. It's all relative. Your engine is either getting hot or it's not. As I said above...If you are loosing skin it's too hot. If you aren't loosing skin then you are probably not. Your best bet is to take it to that dealer and have it checked. Also,<br />you loose way too much water with muffs on that engine. Stick it in a tank or you will eventually burn out the impeller.