Honda Bf8a Owners Manual

							59
LOCK HOOK
LOCK WASHER LOCK HOOK
BOLTLOOSE
SERVICING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR
ENGINE COVER LOCK ADJUSTMENT
The engine cover should fit tightly to keep the engine compartment dry. If
adjustment is needed, reposition the lock hook.
1. Remove the engine cover, and loosen the lock hook bolt with a 10 mm
wrench.
2. Reposition the lock hook, and retighten the bolt. Be sure the lock washer
serrations align with the hook serrations when tightening the bolt.
3. Install and lock the engine cover. Check whether the engine cover fits
tightly. If necessary, repeat steps 1 and 2 to achieve a tight fit.
TIGHT
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HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
STORING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your outboard motor
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and
corrosion from impairing your outboard motor’s function and appearance, and
will make the engine easier to start when you use the outboard motor again.
Cleaning and Flushing
Wash the outside of the outboard motor with clean, fresh water, and flush the
cooling system as described on page 46 or 47.
Disengage the emergency engine stop switch clip from the engine stop switch,
and pull the recoil starter rope several times to expel any water remaining in
the water pump.
Touch up any damaged paint, and coat areas that may rust with Honda
Corrosion Inhibitor, or equivalent. Lubricate controls with a silicone spray
lubricant.
Fuel
Depending on the region where you operate your outboard, fuel formulations
may deteriorate and oxidize rapidly. Fuel deterioration and oxidation can occur
in as little as 15 days and may cause damage to the carburetors and fuel
system. Please check with your servicing dealer for local storage
recommendations.
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard
starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline
in your fuel tank and carburetor deteriorates during storage, you may need to
have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor
without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline
blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or
completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deteriora-
tion. Very warm storage temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel
deterioration problems may occur in less than 30 days, if the gasoline was not
fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
NOTICE
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HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
The Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or
engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by
draining all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only partially
filled, air in the tank will promote fuel deterioration during storage. If you keep a
container of gasoline for refueling, be sure that it contains only fresh gasoline.
1. Add fuel stabilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine outdoors for 10 minutes to be sure
that the treated gasoline has replaced the untreated gasoline in the carburetor.
Starting the engine on land:
For safety, remove the propeller from the outboard motor (p. 58).
•Place a container under the outboard motor, and fill it with clean, fresh water.
The water level must be at least 6 inches above the antiventilation plate.
Running the engine without water can cause overheating and damage.
Damage caused by running the outboard motor without water is not covered
by the 
Distributor’s Limited Warranty.
3. Turn the engine OFF.
NOTICE
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							62 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
You can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and
carburetors.
1. Disconnect the fuel hose from the outboard motor.
2. With the outboard motor in a vertical position, place an approved gasoline
container below the fuel drain outlet, and use a funnel to avoid spilling fuel.
Loosen the drain screw to drain fuel from the carburetor.
3. After the fuel has drained from the carburetor, tighten the drain screw
securely.
4. Drain the fuel tank into an approved gasoline container, or if you need to
store fuel in the portable fuel tank, you can extend fuel storage life by filling
the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and adding a fuel stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose. Firmly close the fuel filler cap vent knob.
Engine Oil
1. Change the engine oil (see page 49).
2. Remove the spark plugs (see page 54).
3. Pour a tablespoon (5 - 10 cm
3) of clean engine oil into each cylinder.
4. Pull the starter grip several times to distribute the oil in the cylinders.
5. Reinstall the spark plugs.
+ WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive.
You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
•Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
•Handle fuel only outdoors.
•Wipe up spills immediately.
DRAIN SCREW
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							63 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Storage Precautions
Select a well-ventilated storage area. If possible, avoid storage areas with high
humidity.
If your portable fuel tank contains gasoline, store it away from any appliance
that operates with a flame, such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer.
Also avoid any area with a spark-producing electric motor, or where power
tools are operated.
Store the outboard motor either vertically, or horizontally with the tiller handle
side down, as shown.
If storing horizontally, be sure to fold the tiller handle, so the outboard motor
rests on its case protectors. Be sure all water has drained from the outboard
motor before placing it on its side, so no residual water can enter the engine
exhaust port.
Any other storage position may cause damage or oil leakage.
Cover the outboard motor to keep out dust. Do not use sheet plastic as a dust
cover. A nonporous cover will trap moisture, promoting rust and corrosion.
NOTICE
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							64 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Removal From Storage
Check your outboard motor as described in the BEFORE OPERATION
chapter of this manual.
If the cylinder was coated with oil during storage preparation, the engine may
smoke briefly at startup. This is normal.
TRANSPORTING
With outboard motor installed on boat
When trailering a boat with the outboard motor attached, leave the engine in
the normal running position, if possible, and tighten the steering friction bolt
securely (p. 36).
If there is insufficient road clearance in the normal running position, then tilt the
outboard motor, leave the tilt lever in the tilt position, and use a motor support
device, such as a transom-saver bar, or remove the outboard motor from the
boat. Refer to the manufacture’s instructions for using a motor support device.
With outboard motor removed from boat
To transport the outboard motor when removed from the boat, secure it in
either the vertical or horizontal position shown on page 63.
To carry, hold the outboard motor by the carrying handle, or hold by the
carrying handle and the lug beneath engine cover lock lever as shown below.
Lifting the outboard motor by the engine cover, or using the installed outboard
motor as a handle or lever to move the boat, can damage the outboard motor.
NOTICE
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ENGINE WILL NOT START
1. Is the emergency stop switch clip in place?
2. Is the gearshift lever in neutral?
3. Is there fuel in the fuel tank?
4. Is the fuel cap vent knob turned to open?
5. Is the fuel system primed by squeezing the priming bulb?
6. Is fuel reaching the carburetor?
Loosen the carburetor drain screw to see if there is fuel in the carburetor
float bowl.
7. Is the spark plug in good condition?
Remove and inspect the spark plug. Readjust gap and dry the spark
plug. Replace it if necessary.
Engine overheats:
1. Is the water inlet screen clogged?
2. Is the thermostat faulty?
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
+ WARNING
If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area
is dry before starting the engine. Spilled
fuel or fuel vapor may ignite.
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							66 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
BATTERY DOES NOT CHARGE
The battery-charging circuit is protected by a 5-ampere fuse.
If the fuse burns out, running the engine will not charge the battery.
Fuse Replacement
1. With the engine stopped, remove the engine cover.
2. Pull the rubber cover off the end of the fuse holder, and unscrew the fuse
holder cap.
3. Remove and inspect the fuse. If the fuse is burnt out, install a replacement
5-ampere fuse.
Never use a fuse with a rating greater than 5-amperes. Serious damage to the
electrical system could result.
4. Reinstall the fuse holder and engine cover.
Before further operation, try to determine and correct the electrical problem
that caused the fuse to burn out. An uncorrected electrical problem may cause
the fuse to burn out again.
NOTICE
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							67 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
SUBMERGED MOTOR
A submerged motor must be serviced immediately after it is recovered from
the water in order to minimize corrosion.
If there is a Honda marine dealer nearby, take the motor to the dealer
immediately. If you are far from a dealer, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the engine cover, and rinse the outboard motor with fresh water
to remove salt water, sand, mud, etc.
2. Loosen the carburetor drain screw (p. 62), drain the contents of the
carburetor into a suitable container, then tighten the drain screw.
3. Change the engine oil (p. 49). If there was water in the engine crankcase,
or if the used engine oil showed signs of water contamination, then a
second engine oil change should be performed after running the engine for
1/2 hour.
4. Remove the spark plugs (p. 54). Disengage the emergency engine stop
switch clip from the engine stop switch and pull the starter grip, rotate the
flywheel a few revolutions to completely expel water from the cylinders.
•
When cranking the engine with an open ignition circuit (spark plugs
removed from the ignition circuit), disengage the emergency engine stop
switch clip from the engine stop switch to prevent electrical damage to the
ignition system.
•If the engine was running when it submerged, there may be mechanical
damage, such as bent connecting rods. If the engine binds when cranked,
do not attempt to run the engine until it has been repaired.
NOTICE
STARTER GRIP
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STARTER GRIP
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
5. Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into the spark plug hole, then pull the starter
grip several times to lubricate the inside of the cylinders. Reinstall the spark
plug and engage the emergency engine stop switch clip with the engine
stop switch.
6. Attempt to start the engine.
 •If the engine fails to start, remove the spark plug, clean and dry the
electrode, then reinstall the spark plug and attempt to start the engine
again.
 •If the engine starts, and no mechanical damage is evident, continue to
run the engine for 1/2 hour or longer (be sure the water level is at least
2 inches above the antiventilation plate).
7. As soon as possible, take the motor to an authorized Honda marine dealer
for inspection and service.
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