Welcome to the world of Tanaka equipment. We are pleased that you have purchased the best equipment
available. The care you give your Tanaka equipment will determine the satisfaction and service life you will
obtain from it. Use this manual as your guide. By observing the instructions and suggestions in this manual,
your Tanaka equipment will serve you well for many years.
Your Tanaka dealer will be happy to supply any service or advice which may be required to keep your Tanaka
equipment operating at peak efficiency. He stocks genuine Tanaka parts and lubricants; manufactured with
the same precision and skill as the original equipment. His factory trained staff is kept well informed on the
best methods of servicing Tanaka equipment and is ready and able to serve you. If service is required, be
prepared to supply the service person with the Model and Serial Number of the equipment, as well as a full
description of the problem encountered.
NOTE: The descriptions and specifications contained in this manual were in effect at the time the manual was
approved for printing. Tanaka Kogyo Co., Ltd. reserves the right to discontinue models without notice and
without incurring obligation. The equipment described within this manual may not be identified as either
standard or optional and the various illustrations may not all be applicable to your particular unit. If you have
questions, always check with your Tanaka dealer.
Safety Alert Symbol And Notations
The following safety notations are used throughout this manual to call attention to special information or
operating procedures. Understand the message in each notation and be alert to unsafe conditions and the
possibility of personal injury.
NOTE: Points out general reference information regarding proper operation and maintenance practices.
IMPORTANT: Statement indicates specific procedures or information that is required to prevent
damage to the machine or its attachments.
This safety alert symbol is used to attract your attention! PERSONAL SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
When you see this symbol - BECOME ALERT - HEED ITS MESSAGE.
CAUTION: Identifies safe operating practices or indicates unsafe conditions that could result in personal
injury.
WARNING: Describes a condition where failure to follow the instructions could result In severe personal
injury.
DANGER: Designates a condition where failure to follow instructions or heed warning will most likely
result In serious personal Injury or death.
Instructions contained in this manual apply to models listed on this page. Use the instructions that
apply to your unit.
Models
Model………… TOB 120 Outboard Motor Model………… TOB 300 Outboard Motor
Specific Model Number and Serial Number of your equipment are on a label on the unit. Record
numbers below and use them whenever parts or service are required.
Model Number - ____________________________
Serial Number - ____________________________
Engine Serial Number - ____________________________
Safety Precaution - ____________________________
Safety Precautions
Read and understand this Owner's Manual before operating this unit. Be thoroughly familiar with
controls and proper use of equipment. Know how to stop unit quickly in an emergency.
This Outboard Motor is a quality marine product designed to give years of dependable service when
operated and maintained properly. If rotating propeller comes in contact with your body, it will cause
severe personnel injury. If blade comes in contact with submerged hard objects, it may damage
blade. Be aware of sudden lifting of motor leg and propeller out of the water which may occur if an
underwater object is struck.
Understand and follow each Danger, Warning, Caution and instruction decals installed on equipment
or described in this manual.
Use only replacement parts designed for this unit.
See your Tanaka Dealer for a complete list. Although some unauthorized parts may appear to be
adaptable, their use may be extremely dangerous and could cause serious personal injury. This is
especially true of propellers which may be of poor construction or improperly balanced.
NEVER allow children to operate or play with unit. DO NOT allow adults to operate unit without
proper instructions. Anyone using this unit must understand the information in this manual.
Safe operation of this equipment requires complete and unimpaired attention at all times. DO NOT
operate unit if fatigued, during or after consumption of medication, drugs or alcohol.
When transporting unit in a vehicle, secure it to prevent it from sliding or tipping over which could
cause damage to your unit or spill fuel.
Thoroughly inspect Outboard Motor for damage,
chipped propellers, fuel leaks, etc. before operating
this unit.
NEVER attempt to make any adjustments to unit
while motor is running (except where specifically
recommended).
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use an approved
(RED) gasoline container.
Operation
Keep equipment in good condition. Keep all guards
and shields in place and safety devices operating
properly.
Be sure that Throttle Lever stops motor when
moved to stop position and Lever moves freely. On
units equipped with Stop button, be sure button
stops unit.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. DO NOT run motor in
enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Before starting, make sure unit is properly secured
to boat transom using clamp stud handles. Be sure
a safety chain, from unit to boat, is installed. Check
clamp handles for tightness periodically.
Always carry a spare propeller, shear pins, hair
pins, spark plug and necessary repair tools such as
pliers, screwdriver, and wrenches.
When starting unit, be sure propeller is clear of all
objects because when motor is started, throttle
may be set high enough to rotate the propeller.
After motor is started and idling smoothly, propeller
must not rotate. DO NOT operate unit if propeller
rotates when motor is idling.
DO NOT put hands or other body parts near
rotating parts.
Maintain a firm hold on the twist grip at all times to
help keep control of the unit.
Operate equipment only when there is good
visibility and light.
NEVER allow smoking materials, sparks or flame
(match, pilot light, etc.) near unit or gasoline
container.
Check fuel supply before starting motor. Always
start boating trips with a full tank.
DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors, when motor is
running or while motor is still hot. Wipe off any
spilled gasoline, allow vapors to dissipate and move
fuel container 10 feet (3m) away from unit before
starting motor.
Never allow swimmers or waders near unit while it
is in operation. The operator is responsible for the
safety of swimmers and boaters in the area.
After mounting motor on transom, set proper
motor trim according to size and weight of the
boat. See Tilt
Adjustment in Operation section of this manual.
Move Throttle Lever to stop position to stop
propeller. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the
boat along with life vests and other U. S. Coast
Guard approved safety equipment.
Before attempting to make any adjustment,
repairs, inspections or cleaning unit, stop motor,
wait for moving parts to stop, allow unit to cool
then remove wire from spark plug .
If equipment vibrates abnormally during operation,
stop motor at once, wait for moving parts to stop,
and remove wire from spark plug. Abnormal
vibration is a warning of trouble. Repair any
damage before restarting unit. (See your Tanaka
Dealer.)
After striking a submerged object, stop motor, wait
for moving parts to stop, then remove wire from
spark plug. Thoroughly inspect unit for any
damage. Repair damage before restarting and
operating unit.
Before shutting motor off, after operating under full
load for an extended period, lower motor speed
and allow it to idle for a few minutes so that motor
parts can cool evenly.
In the event of an emergency, stop the motor by
moving Choke Lever to full choke position.
When trailering this unit, secure motor in an upright (vertical) position against boat transom. Do not
trailer with unit tilted up. If unit must be transported while tilted up, place a suitable brace, such as a
2 x 4, between motor bracket and motor leg. Tie down motor leg against brace to prevent damage to
motor leg.
When transporting unit in a vehicle, secure it to prevent turnover which could result in spilled fuel or
damage to unit.
To prevent fuel leakage from the carburetor when unit is tilted, close vent screw on fuel tank, turn
off fuel shut off valve, and allow unit to run at idle until it stops.
Take all possible precautions when leaving unit unattended. Remove and keep wire away from spark
plug to prevent accidental starting or unauthorized use.
When loading boat, distribute weight evenly to prevent tipping. Keep heavy loads low in the boat.
Do not stand up in a small boat. Standing, bow riding, seat back and gunwale riding can be
dangerous.
When loading or launching a boat on a trailer, tilt motor up to prevent propeller from striking ramp or
underwater objects.
An auxiliary adjustable position motor bracket is recommended when using unit as auxiliary power for
watercraft.
Maintenance and Storage
Periodically check that Throttle Lever stops motor when moved to stop position and Lever moves
freely.
Periodically check operation of propeller clutch brake. Propeller should stop almost immediately when
throttle is fully released. DO NOT operate unit if brake does not operate properly. Have unit serviced
by your Tanaka dealer before operating.
Discard propellers that are broken or damaged in any way. Replace only with Tanaka original
equipment replacement parts for safety.
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight and be sure equipment is in safe working condition. Check all
hardware at regular intervals.
NEVER store unit with gasoline in tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow motor to cool before storing in any enclosure.