EFI on a Kicker?

PvL · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:23 pm Post subject: EFI on a Kicker?

Looking to buy a new kicker for my 14 ft Aluminum. I will be getting a Tohatsu ... either a 9.9hp or a 15hp. The dealer says the 15 has EFI. I have never heard of a non battery kicker motor with EFI. Should I be concerned about EFI in a kicker? (I have a 9.9 long shaft Tohatsu as an auxiliary on our 22 CD… works great)

Thanks

ssobol · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:31 pm Post subject: Re: EFI on a Kicker?

PvL · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:40 pm Post subject:

Just a little concerned re: EFI on a non electric motor. Typically as I understand most small outboard use the traditional cab system which if properly maintained work well.

thataway · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 4:16 pm Post subject:

The problem with carbs is that you have to drain them or run them dry after each use, unless you are going to use again in less than a week. With EFI you don't have to worry about plugged up carbs. You do need a better filter with EFI, but generally less starting problems. I would take an EFI over a carb engine any day. The exception would be if I was going to remote areas, where I could rebuild a carburetor easier than getting new high pressure pump or injectors. I have yet to have a problem with an injected engine--Long history of problems over the last 70+ years with carbureted. But with time one becomes proficient with rebuilding the carburetors.

ssobol · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 6:06 pm Post subject:

DayBreak · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 7:54 pm Post subject:

Our 9.9 Suzuki kicker is pull start and EFI. The use of Ethanol Fuel can be an issue with carb motors vs. a fuel injected motor but we still prefer using non-ethanol fuel and do so always on our outboard motors. For informational purposes to your concern about EFI, our kicker always starts up with just one pull of the starting cord which we really appreciate.

journey on · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2021 11:44 am Post subject:

I think both the 9.9 and 15 Tohatsu outboards have EFI. To get a non-EFI Tohatsu, one has to buy the old model 9.8.

Bob's right, you certainly get a quick lesson in rebuilding carbs when they're present. Had a Honda 9.9 and had to rebuild a carb on the fly, cause the dealer didn't. Never had a problem starting the Honda 150, even after 6 mos. And, a lot of dirt bikes have EFI, with no other electrics.

Boris

robhwa · Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:56 pm Post subject:

For most motor makers, usually a 9.9 is a full-sized, lower power version of a 15 to meet restrictions. In fact, a "9.9" cover can be bought for a Honda 15 outboard to fool the water cops. They are exactly the same sizes.

There are lakes where you can use a 9.9 and not a 15. The 15 probably won't get you much in terms of speed on a 22 either.

Tohatsu 9.9 and 15 both come with EFI. The old 9.9 carb model appears to be relabeled as a "9.8" HP.

My guess is that the dealer has an older carbed 9.9. I'd take Bob's advice and get EFI, 9.9 or 15.

I would go with the 9.9, but, then, I've already removed my Honda 9.9, tilt and steer, electric start, because of the weight on the transom. Very nice and I never used it.

I like an electric trolling motor better.

PvL · Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 10:44 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the input....much appreciated. I went with the 15 hp EFI unit. Interesting but not surprising comment from the dealer who runs a low key operation. In our conversation he noted that last year it cost him
$3 500.00 to bring in a container from Asia. This year it was $10 000.00.