Tohatsu Sailpro 6 - this CAN'T be normal, right??

[Gene Neill]

Look at the play between the ... "clamp"(?) and the ... "shaft"(?). I don't know if I'm using the right names for the parts, but this 15-second video shows it clearly and I can post more if need be. I swear it just started doing this. The friction lock has also ceased to be of any use at all, but that's another story.

It's a 2014 motor, probably less than 50 hours on it.

 

[GA_Boater]

What kind of warranty does Tohatsu offer? If you bought it locally, run it by the dealer.

 

[Gene Neill]

They claim a five year warranty, although I haven't gotten around to reading the fine print. No nearby dealers either, I bought it on eBay from a dealer in Tennessee (I'm in Florida).

I figured I'd just fix it myself if it's not too crazy difficult or expensive to do.

 

[fhhuber]

That will require a lot of disassembly to get to the parts that failed.

 

[pvanv]

The usual cause of that kind of issue is either over-lubrication with way too much grease, or grossly over-tightening of the friction band, or both. On sail applications, consumers sometimes try to use the friction band as a steering lock, and damage the mechanism. Tohatsu actually makes an optional steering lock kit to preclude attempting that abuse, but Internet dealers usually don't bother suggesting it. Refer to the diagram below; it shows how the rubber "donut" bushings, thrust plates, friction band, and swivel all work together. If you disassemble the swivel, and everything is OK, removing the additional grease may help, but odds are that the friction band mechanism has been distorted beyond use.

 

[Gene Neill]

The usual cause of that kind of issue is either over-lubrication with way too much grease, or grossly over-tightening of the friction band, or both. On sail applications, consumers sometimes try to use the friction band as a steering lock, and damage the mechanism. Tohatsu actually makes an optional steering lock kit to preclude attempting that abuse, but Internet dealers usually don't bother suggesting it. Refer to the diagram below; it shows how the rubber "donut" bushings, thrust plates, friction band, and swivel all work together. If you disassemble the swivel, and everything is OK, removing the additional grease may help, but odds are that the friction band mechanism has been distorted beyond use.

Thanks, Paul, that diagram will come in very handy. And I think I might be guilty of both things you mentioned, particularly the grease. Pretty sure I use more than necessary.

 

[Gene Neill]

Well I pulled the swivel bracket assembly apart, and yes, I had clearly greased it too much. I didn't realize how little it required - just a thin film on the bushings. The degreasing process rejuvenated the steering friction capability, although I have no use for that feature, as it will not hold the motor straight anyway.

But as for the "slop" which was the subject of my question, I see no solution. All the parts look fine, at least to my eye (and well they should, in such a new motor).

Maybe it IS normal with this motor, and I just never noticed it before.

 

[pvanv]

Depending on the lube used, the grease may have softened the rubber bushings. It won't hurt anything. Those bushings help dampan the 1-cylinder vibrations so they don't shake the transom as much. You can get new bushings, but they probably aren't a lot stiffer. Also, if you want the motor locked dead ahead all the time, and will only steer with the rudder, you can get the steering lock: Steering Lock Kit for the 4 / 5 / 6hp 4-stroke models.
Kit allows motor to be locked into a fixed position to allow boat to be steered using the boat's rudder. Perfect for sailboaters that want to use their rudder to steer instead of the motor. Kit includes locking bracket, all necessary bolts, warning decals and installation instructions.
Packaged in clamshell style packing for easy, attractive display in your showroom.
Caution: Once installed, the motor is locked in place and the tiller handle cannot be used to steer the boat unless kit is removed.
Fits 4hp, 5hp & 6hp 4-stroke "B" & "C" models
Part #: 3GR625000M
List Price (MSRP): $23.15

 

[Gene Neill]

No Title

Depending on the lube used, the grease may have softened the rubber bushings.

That is something I had not thought of! It would certainly explain a lot. I just can't believe that this amount of play went unnoticed by me for almost two years. I'll probably replace the bushings, but not until I find out what flavor of grease Tohatsu uses. For whatever it might be worth, I used Lucas multi purpose marine grease.

I have considered one of those steering lock kits, but I just don't want to give up the ability to turn the motor in tricky situations involving tight quarters, crosswinds and/or cross currents. I guess my redneck bungee system will have to remain permanent. It's not stylish, but it holds the motor straight, and lets me steer with it when I need to.