Lubrication of Tohasu 20HP

[WN2712NJ]

Hi-

A question for the Tohatsu experts...

We've got 2008 20HP 4st Tohatsu that is operated in salt water. We rinse the motor and run it on muffs after each use.

But today I found the tilt mechanism balky. Motor tilted up, but didn't want to tilt down unless I reached under the motor and pushed the part that rides in the two slots out of the notches that hold it in the full up position. When we got home I hit it with a lot of WD40 and it seemed to start working better, but is there a recommended lube for this?

Also, it looks like there is a grease gun fitting on the steering mechanism, can we use regular wheel bearing grease in that, or does it need something special?

Thanks

-dm

 

[fishndirk]

Re: Lubrication of Tohasu 20HP

As far as the tilt lock goes, I don't believe there is anything specific to be done to it besides just keeping it clean and free of dirt/corrosion since it is a simple spring operated mechanism. For the steering mount which has an actual grease insert on it, I would stick with Marine Grease on that. Marine Grease is much better at resisting water intrusion than standard grease. Standard white axel grease will seperate and become milky when exposed to moisture for long periods and allow corrosion to set in. I use the green marine grease on my trailer hubs and all the grease points on my 20 Tohatsu and it all operates smooth as glass just like the day it was brand new.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Lubrication of Tohasu 20HP

If your locking system is same as found in Tohatsu 2 strokes motors, disassemble tilt stopper bracket, remove, clean white round bushing interior and stopper pin which bushing mountes to, clean, grease friction spring and housing too, clean, grease stopper locking plate. Use waterproof grease on all mentioned components. Dried out grease, sand, salt water crusts tends to lock the entire locking system.

You should lube periodically all swivel bracket bushings through grease fittings using a grease gun, if continue to use dry, will prematurely wear out friction plate and all the plastic bushings resulting in too much swivel bracket side play. Although are cheap parts, it's a time demanding work to change.

Happy Boating