Honda Bf8a Owners Manual

19
INSTALLATION
Correct and secure installation is essential for safe boating and good
performance. Follow the installation instructions provided in this manual.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Before installation, check to be sure that the outboard motor does not exceed
the recommended maximum horsepower for the boat on which it is to be
installed. Refer to the boat’s certification plate for recommended maximum
horsepower. If the certification plate information is not available, contact the
boat dealer or...

20 INSTALLATION
When the outboard motor is installed extremely low, the idle port may be
immersed and the engine may become hard to start or may run poorly.
Check that the idle port is high enough from the water level when the
engine is stopped with the boat fully loaded.
If the outboard motor is installed too low, the boat will squat and be hard
to plane, and the motor will spray water that may enter the boat. It will tend
to porpoise, and high-speed stability will be reduced.
Propeller ventilation will...

21 INSTALLATION
MOTOR ANGLE FOR CRUISING
Adjust the motor so the propeller
shaft is parallel with the water sur-
face.
MOTOR ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
If the propeller shaft is not parallel
with the water surface, adjust by
changing the transom angle adjust-
ing rod position.
There are four adjusting stages.
1. Push in (A) the adjusting rod,
twist upwards (B) and pull out to
remove.
2. Insert the rod in the proper hole
and twist it down to lock.
To prevent damage to the motor or
boat, make sure the transom angle...

22
WIRES TO BOAT LIGHTING AND
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
BATTERY CABLES FROM
OUTBOARD MOTOR
(OPERATOR PROVIDED)12-VOLT BATTERY
DC RECEPTACLE
RUBBER CAP
PLUG
INSTALLATION
BATTERY
Battery Connections
Honda BF8A outboard motors produce a 12-volt, 5-ampere battery-charging
current. The motors come with a DC receptacle that needs to be connected
to a 12-volt battery. The battery-charging circuit is protected by a 5-ampere
fuse located in the engine compartment.
The outboard motor’s 12-volt output is designed to...

23
Battery Installation
Place the battery in a corrosion-resistant battery box that is securely mounted
in a location away from the fuel tank and protected from contact with water.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Eyes — Flush with water from a cup or other container for at least 15 minutes
(water under pressure can damage the eye). Immediately call a physician,
local poison control center, or 911.
Skin — Remove contaminated clothing. Flush the skin with large quantities of
water. Call a physician immediately....

24
INSTALLATION
Connections to the Battery
Connect the positive (+) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal, then
connect the negative (–) battery cable to the negative (–) battery terminal.
The negative (–) battery cable should always be removed from the battery
when connecting or disconnecting the positive (+) battery cable, so tools
cannot cause a short circuit if they touch a grounded part while being used on
the positive (+) battery terminal fitting.
Be careful to avoid connecting the...

25
BEFORE OPERATION
ARE YOU READY TO GET UNDERWAY?
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Knowledge
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and how to
operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the outboard motor and its operation before you get
underway. Know what to do in case of emergencies.
Familiarize yourself with all laws and regulations relating to boating and the
use of outboard motors.
Safety Apparel...

26 BEFORE OPERATION
Safety Inspection
•Look around for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. Make sure the fuel tank is in
good condition and properly secured in the boat (see page 27). Check that
the fuel hose is undamaged and properly connected (see page 28). Wipe
up any spills before starting the engine.
•Check the stern bracket to be sure the outboard motor is securely installed.
•Check that all controls are operating properly.
•Replace any damaged parts.
•Check that all fasteners are in place and securely...

27
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
To safely realize the full potential of this outboard motor, you need a complete
understanding of its operation and a certain amount of practice with its
controls.
Before operating the outboard motor for the first time, please review the
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION on page 7 and the chapter titled
BEFORE OPERATION.
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area,
such as a garage. Your engine’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monox-...

28
To ensure that the outboard motor
will be able to draw fuel from the
tank, place the tank within 6 feet of
the outboard motor and not more
than 3 feet below the fuel connector
on the outboard motor.
Secure the portable fuel tank in the
boat, so it won’t move around and
become damaged.
Before use, open the fuel tank vent
by turning the vent knob at least 2 or
3 turns counterclockwise.
Fuel Hose Connections
Connect the fuel hose to the tank
and the outboard motor, as shown.
Be sure both connectors snap...