Nissan 115 TLDI

[Roscoe47]

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 22 ft Sangster FG with a merc 165 I/O into an outboard mount/swim platform with twin outboards.

The Nissan 115 TLDI appears to be a proven 2 stroke OB with a new ECM fuel system. A dealer informed me that Nissan makes all the smaller engines for Merc and Evinrude that are the same as the Nissans. I like the lower weight of 2 strokes plus less moving parts.

How does the TLDI compare to other 2strokes and how does it compare to 4strokes?

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Nissan 115 TLDI

Nissan outboards are made by Tohatsu. Likewise, Tohatsu makes the Merc 4-strokes 30 hp and under, and the Evinrudes of 20 hp and under. Tohatsu is the factory, and Nissan is a brand. the Tohatsu-labelled outboards are typically less expensive.

Tohatsu TLDI (two-stroke, low-pressure, direct injection) motors are extremely reliable, and are based on the decades-proven 2-stroke carbed motors' blocks. They have lower emissions than comparable carbed 4-strokes. All current TLDI motors are 3-star emissions rated. They have many fewer parts than 4-strokes, and proportionately lower weight.

Of course, as a Tohatsu/Nissan dealer, I have my biases. Likewise, we chose to be a Tohatsu dealer for a number of reasons: The Tohatsu product is well-engineered, based on proven technologies, very reliable/durable, and also the lowest-cost outboard available in North America. Motor for motor, Tohatsu is by far the largest outboard manufacturer in the world. The supply chain, both for motors and parts, is excellent... which is always a consideration. The Factory support to dealers and owners alike is also exceptional. I have no regrets, and would not select a different brand over Tohatsu for our dealership.

 

[Roscoe47]

Re: Nissan 115 TLDI

Thanks, Paul. I've spent hours comparing OBs on manufacturer's sites and the Tohatsu/Nissan stands out for my usage.

Is there any indication from Tohatsu when they will be introducing a larger hp TLDI engine? I appreciate the fact that this manufacturer takes its time to introduce new models rather than rushing to compete.

 

[rrichar1]

Re: Nissan 115 TLDI

Thanks, Paul. I've spent hours comparing OBs on manufacturer's sites and the Tohatsu/Nissan stands out for my usage.

Is there any indication from Tohatsu when they will be introducing a larger hp TLDI engine? I appreciate the fact that this manufacturer takes its time to introduce new models rather than rushing to compete.

I emailed them in January 2012 asking this and got this response:

Thank you for stopping by our website and for your years of loyalty to
Nissan outboards. I wish I could give you better news but the fact is that
at this time Nissan/Tohatsu does not have any plans to release a TLDI model
larger than our current 115hp model. There was a time when they were
working to develop a 135/140 TLDI model, however as far as I know they have
stopped development of it and refocused their efforts on continuing to
improve their existing line up. I do not know if they have any plans in the
future to get back to developing a larger TLDI motor or not.

Sorry that wasn't the answer you were hoping for but please let me know if
you have any other questions.

Best Regards,
Jim Morgenthaler
Nissan Marine

 

[stancel]

Re: Nissan 115 TLDI

I would recommend you find out all you can about your nearby dealers that do Nissan/Tohatsu warranty repair. I am spending a lot of money in gas, and putting a lot of miles on my vehicle trying to get my new Tohatsu fixed properly. As good a product as they make, you don't want to chance getting one like mine and finding out you will have to travel to get it fixed.

 

[Roscoe47]

Re: Nissan 115 TLDI

Thanks for the responses.

It appears that Tohatsu is a prudent manufacturer, not inclined to chase the high horsepower market for the sake of competing. They do appear to have a reliable product.

I suppose anyone can experience the dismay of purchasing a lemon and having to chase warranty but doing due diligence on both the manufacturer and dealer should lessen the odds. I'm not sure of consumer protection legislation but I believe one has 30 days to return an inferior product.

In my case, twin 115s will be more than adequate although I'd like to check out running larger engines at reduced speed -any opinions on whether this makes sense from a performance, fuel economy or finacial point of view?