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The
only tools required are a flat-head screwdriver and an
oil drain pan. The entire process only takes 10-20
minutes.
We recommend you change your lower unit oil at
least once a year depending on how heavy the usage is of
your outboard. Any brand of oil that meets the
specification of API GL5 SAE 80 or 90 weight will work.
You
can find suitable oil at your local marine dealer or automotive
store.
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Home > Technical Information
> Lower Unit Oil Change |
Lower
Unit Oil Change
Welcome
to the step-by-step guide to changing your outboard's
lower unit oil. This 8-step process is all it takes to
ensure the oil in your lower unit is properly
maintained.
The
chart at the end of this guide lists the approximate
amount of oil needed to fill the lower unit of each
model currently offered by Tohatsu.
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 Step One
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First,
be sure your outboard is in a vertical and upright
position.
Locate and identify the upper and lower
Fill & Drain Plugs.
Place an oil drain pan beneath the outboard.
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Step Two |
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Remove
the BOTTOM drain plug first (not the top).
Some oil will begin to trickle out so be
sure your oil drain pan is positioned
correctly to catch the draining oil. |
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Step Three |
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Next,
remove the TOP drain plug.
This will release the
vacuum that exists and allow the oil to drain freely
from the lower unit. |
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Step Four |
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Let
all of the oil drain completely from the lower unit.
This will take about 5-10 minutes. |
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Step Five |
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Once
all the oil has completely drained out it is time to
refill the lower unit. There are several types of
apparatuses available ranging from squeeze bottles
to tubes. One of the more popular
"do-it-yourself" methods is to use a
squeeze bottle.
You
can use any brand of lubricant that has a grade
designation of API GL5 SAE 80 or 90 weight. Make
sure you do not mix different oil brands or
weights. |
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To
refill the lower unit, insert the bottle/tube into
the BOTTOM drain hole. Then slowly squeeze the
bottle to force the oil into the lower unit. |
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Step Six |
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Continue
adding oil until the lubricant is flowing freely
from the top hole and is free from air bubbles. |
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Step Seven |
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Keep
the bottle/tube in the bottom plug (or plug the hole
with your finger) and re-install the TOP plug.
This
will create a slight vacuum that will minimize the
oil loss while you reinstall the bottom plug. |
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Step Eight |
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Now,
QUICKLY remove the bottle (or your finger) from the
bottom hole and install the drain plug. It is
important to do this as quickly as possible to
minimize the amount of oil loss. Even though there
is a slight vacuum, there will still be some loss of
oil. Do not be concerned about losing some oil,
however, if you lose an excessive amount of oil you
will need to go back and add additional oil. Hand
tighten both the lower and upper drain plugs and
wipe off any oil on your lower unit. |
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WARNING:
Running your outboard without completely filling the
lower unit with oil to the proper level will cause
severe damage to your outboard. See the comments at the
end of this guide on how to check for the proper oil
level in your lower unit.
Be
sure and properly dispose of your old oil by taking it
to an oil recycling center. Most "quick lube"
oil change centers or auto service stations will accept
your used oil for a nominal fee.
Comments:
To check your oil level, remove the top oil plug, insert
a small piece of wire straight into the top hole
approximately 1 inch and withdraw the wire. If oil is on
the wire the oil level is correct, if not the unit must
be refilled to the correct level.
To
add ("top-off") oil install the top plug
again, remove the bottom plug and put your oil bottle
into the hole. Remove the top plug to release the vacuum
and add the necessary amount of oil. Reinstall the top
plug, then quickly reinstall the bottom plug. Check the
oil level once again as described above.
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Lower
Unit Oil Needed by Model |
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Model |
Approximate
Fluid Ounces
Required |
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2A
& 3.5A (4-stroke) |
6.1
fl oz |
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2.5A
& 3.5A (2-stroke) |
3.0
fl oz |
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3.5B
(2-stroke) |
6.0
fl oz |
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4
(4-stroke) |
6.6
fl oz |
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5
(2-str/4-str) |
6.6
fl oz |
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6
(4-stroke) |
6.6
fl oz |
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8
(2-str/4-str) |
10.8
fl oz |
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9.8
(2-str/4-str) |
10.8
fl oz |
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9.9
(2-stroke) |
12.5
fl oz |
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9.9A
(4-stroke) |
6.8
fl oz |
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9.9B
(4-stroke) |
12.5
fl oz |
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15
(2-stroke) |
12.5
fl oz |
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15A
(4-stroke) |
6.8
fl oz |
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15B
& C
(4-stroke) |
12.5
fl oz |
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18
(2-str/4-str) |
12.5
fl oz |
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20
(4-stroke) |
12.5
fl oz |
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25
(2-stroke) |
14.5
fl oz |
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25
(4-stroke) |
9.5
fl oz |
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30
(2-stroke) |
14.5
fl oz |
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30
(4-stroke) |
9.5
fl oz |
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40C
(2 cyl) |
15.9
fl oz |
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40D
(3 cyl) |
16.9
fl oz |
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MD40
(TLDI) |
16.9
fl oz |
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50D
(3 cyl) |
16.9
fl oz |
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MD50
(TLDI) |
16.9
fl oz |
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70B
(3 cyl) |
23.7
fl oz |
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70C
(3 cyl) |
30.4
fl oz |
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MD70
(TLDI) |
30.4
fl oz |
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90A
(2-stroke) |
30.4
fl oz |
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MD90
(TLDI) |
30.4
fl oz |
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115A
(2-stroke) |
30.4
fl oz |
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MD115
(TLDI) |
30.4
fl oz |
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140A
(2-stroke) |
30.4
fl oz |
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