Tohatsu leaking oil

Denny R

Denny R

Member
I've got a very low hour Tohatsu 3.5hp 4 stroke that leaks oil whenever I place it on it's side. When stored upright it doesn't leak. Trouble is I use it on a small, double-pointed boat and need to travel with it on it's side.
Any thoughts?
The dealers I've taken it to, and talked to on the phone, are all over the place with their answers. The dealer I took it to thought I spilled the oil. Unfortunately, it leaked on the way home. Others have told me to drain and fill it when I travel. Doesn't work well for duck hunting.
The motor runs perfectly. It has been stored upright since last duck season and hasn't leaked a drop.

Thanks
 
I don't know Tohatsu's take on laying their motors on their sides but 4 stroke Mercury's say in the manual there is a specific side you can lay the motor on with out oil leakage. It also says standing up is prefered. Like you mentioned its not condusive to duck hunting if your using it to get to your spot then laying on the floor like in a sculler. I'd see if you can get your hands on a operator manual.
 
Thanks Ed.
This motor was stored on it's side before it started to leak.
I was specifically told by the dealer to store it on it's side. I should have known better.
 
Thanks Ed.
This motor was stored on it's side before it started to leak.
I was specifically told by the dealer to store it on it's side. I should have known better.
Click to expand...

From what the manual says storing on it's side is fine as long as the shift lever is in the down position and the tiller is in the up position. I hope you don't have a bad seal or something. The guys I know in Florida swear by these motors. Since Tohatsu builds practically every new outboard motor sold in the US under 25hp which includes Mercury and Bombardier I hope they aren't having issues. I was thinking that would be my next motor.
 
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