Will a 4-cycle travel well on its side?

westwood

Recruit
Joined
Apr 26, 2006
Messages
2
I'm shopping for a small outboard, 15 horsepower or less, to be used on an inflatable boat that I will carry in the belly of a motorhome and used in unfamiliar waterways as I travel. I've read a lot about the growing restrictions on 2-cycle engines for environmental reasons - but because I have to store and carry this engine in the belly of a motorhome, the engine will always be on its side and travel on its side.<br /><br />Based on what I've read here, I was leaning towards the Tohatsu 9.8, but I found an Owner's Manual page that says the motor should be stored in a vertical position. That's just not going to be possible for me.<br /><br />Can these engines be stored on their side and if so, will the jiggling from travel be a problem while it is stored on its side?<br /><br />If a 4-cycle won't travel well on its side, then I suppose I have no choice but to go with a 2-cycle. Any input or ideas would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thank you.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Will a 4-cycle travel well on its side?

Some 4 strokes can be laid on one side only. Which side depends on the make and model.
 

TGuy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
217
Re: Will a 4-cycle travel well on its side?

4-strokes can be laid on its safely, if done on the correct side. With most models you lay it on the tiller handle (tiller handle on the ground). The Tohatsu 9.8 manual has pictures of the correct side (and a sticker on the outside of the motor which shows the correct side...tiller handle down). <br /><br />The idea is that you want to keep the powerhead elevated about 20 degrees higher than the lower unit to keep the oil in the crankcase from spilling out. So if you're laying it down in a truck/motorhome, it would be good idea to put some packing blankets or something under the powerhead to elevate up even higher so if you're going up/down steep inclines it'll help ensure the powerhead is always above the prop. But the bottom line is, if done correctly, you CAN safely transport a 4-stroke on its side.
 
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