[NSBHeron]

I have a 2017 tohatsu 50hp 4 stroke. It has a bad starter and I was told it’s a common problem on these motors and it would be on backorder for 3-4 weeks. So after 5 weeks I get a call and find out it’s not going to be here until late March!!! Seems crazy that such a new motor can have a part so far out. Any ideas if I can get a different starter to fit without voiding a warranty?


I’ve had multiples offers on selling my 2017 Saltmarsh Heron but am held up because of this.

 

[georgiadrifter]

Well that sucks. I chose the Tohatsu 50 for my build (Heron 16). What’s the warranty...36 mos? Good luck with the repair.

 

[024H6]

I had the same issue and @blittle was able to help me out and fix it. Try giving him a call

 

[makin moves]

If its holding you up from selling it take it off and have it rebuilt.

 

[jmrodandgun]

Boats.net has one in stock for $400. That's more than a Lamborghini LP640.

 

[NSBHeron]

Well that sucks. I chose the Tohatsu 50 for my build (Heron 16). What’s the warranty...36 mos? Good luck with the repair.

Been a good motor up until you need parts. 2 months back order here, 4 weeks the next time

 

[jmrodandgun]

Been a good motor up until you need parts. 2 months back order here, 4 weeks the next time

The starter doesn't need to be back ordered unless you want a brand new Tohatsu branded part. It can be repaired. Just about every city in America has a crusty old building in a bad part of town that rebuilds alternators and starters. You could probably do it on your kitchen table if you want to.

There are lots of ways to get this part that don't require waiting a month. A quick search of the part number shows them in stock in several difference places, all of them being ridiculously over priced.

 

[NSBHeron]

The starter doesn't need to be back ordered unless you want a brand new Tohatsu branded part. It can be repaired. Just about every city in America has a crusty old building in a bad part of town that rebuilds alternators and starters. You could probably do it on your kitchen table if you want to.

There are lots of ways to get this part that don't require waiting a month. A quick search of the part number shows them in stock in several difference places, all of them being ridiculously over priced.

Yeah I know I can get one separately but it’s nice taking advantage of a warranty motor while I can

 

[jlindsley]

Can you just use the pull cord it comes with until then?

 

[jmrodandgun]

Can you just use the pull cord it comes with until then?

The MFS50's don't have a pull cord like the 30's. It can be pulled started but first you have to remove the cowling, fly wheel cover, and wrap a pull cord around the fly wheel.

 

[jmrodandgun]

Yeah I know I can get one separately but it’s nice taking advantage of a warranty motor while I can

That makes sense. The warranty didn't even cross my mind. There isn't much on those things to go bad. It might be worth taking apart and cleaning it up while you wait.

 

[jmrodandgun]

If you can give a good description of the symptoms I can test my good starter and tell you how each part should test on your multimeter. May be able to narrow down a fix until the warranty replacement shows up. It could be something simple.

 

[jlindsley]

The MFS50's don't have a pull cord like the 30's. It can be pulled started but first you have to remove the cowling, fly wheel cover, and wrap a pull cord around the fly wheel.

Yes that is true but if you really wanted to get on the water it really isn’t that big of a deal. You may get some looks at the boat ramp but who cares. Just make the first spot count