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Thank you for purchasing a Honda Throughout this manual, you will see If a problem should arise, or if you Outboard Motor. safety messages proceeded by the have any questions about the following words and symbols. Here’s Outboard Motor, consult an...
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* Charging System Note that the types of the outboard motor differ according to the countries where they are sold. BF5A/4.5B is provided with the following According to Shaft Length types according to the shaft length, charging S: Short Shaft system.
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Check the type of your outboard motor and read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly before operation. Texts with no type indication are the information and/or procedures common to all types. FRAME SERIAL NUMBER ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER Record the frame and engine serial The frame serial number is stamped numbers for your reference.
Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed. Keep the fuel tank out of reach of children. Gasoline is extremely Honda outboard motor is flammable and is explosive designed to give safe and under certain conditions. (Europe and Bodensee dependable service if...
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SAFETY Know how to stop the engine Do not attempt to modify the Refuel carefully to avoid spilling quickly in case of emergency. outboard motor. fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel Understand the use of all controls. Always wear a life-jacket when on tank (there should be no fuel in the Do not exceed the boat board.
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SAFETY Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. Breathing exhaust can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. If you run the engine in an area that is confined, or even partially enclosed, the air can become contaminated with a dangerous amount of exhaust gas.
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These labels and indications warn you of potential hazards that can cause serious injury. Read the labels, indications and safety notes and precautions described in this manual carefully. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda outboard motor dealer for a replacement. READ OWNER’S MANUAL...
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS FUEL CAUTION GASOLINE FLAMMABLE DANGER GAZOLINE INFLAMMABLE DANGEREUX CAUTION KEEP TOTALLY CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE. KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARKS, AND OPEN FLAME. ‘‘SECURE ABOVE DECK IN WELL DANGER VENTILATED AREA.’’ ‘‘DO NOT USE FOR LONG TERM FUEL STORAGE.’’ HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED.
CONTROLS Starter Grip Shift Lever FORWARD REVERSE NEUTRAL STARTER GRIP SHIFT LEVER NEUTRAL REVERSE FORWARD Pulling the starter grip operates the recoil starter to crank the engine for starting. Set the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position before starting. Use the shift lever to run the boat in FORWARD: The boat moves ahead.
CONTROLS Choke Knob Throttle Grip Throttle Friction Knob THROTTLE THROTTLE GRIP FRICTION KNOB RELEASE FAST CHOKE KNOB THROTTLE GRIP When the engine is cold, pull the Turn the grip clockwise or The throttle friction knob adjusts choke knob to start easily. Rich fuel counterclockwise to adjust the engine resistance to throttle grip rotation.
CONTROLS Fuel Priming Bulb Emergency Stop Switch Emergency Stop Switch Lanyard/ Clip EMERGENCY ARROW STOP SWITCH EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH LANYARD OUTLET END PRIMING BULB EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH CLIP INLET END The emergency stop switch lanyard is A priming bulb is built into the fuel Press the emergency stop switch to provided to stop the engine hose that connects the portable fuel...
CONTROLS EMERGENCY Oil Pressure Indicator Light STOP SWITCH EMERGENCY STOP OIL PRESSURE SWITCH CLIP INDICATOR LIGHT ENGINE STOP MARK EMERGENCY STOP SPARE EMERGENCY SWITCH LANYARD STOP SWITCH CLIP the emergency stop switch lanyard When the engine oil level is low or If the emergency stop switch securely to the operator.
CONTROLS Tilt Lever Anode Metal Cooling Water Check Hole ANODE METAL TILT LEVER COOLING WATER CHECK HOLE Use the tilt lever to temporarily raise the motor when the boat is running in the shallows, or mooring or The cooling water is checked here to anchoring in the shallows.
CONTROLS Cooling Water Intake Port Engine Cover Lock Lever Steering Friction Bolt ENGINE COVER LOCK LEVER STEERING FRICTION BOLT LOCKED UNLOCKED COOLING WATER INTAKE PORT The engine cooling water is drawn Lock/unlock the engine cover lock The steering friction bolt adjusts into the engine through this port.
CONTROLS Transom Angle Adjusting Rod Fuel Filler Cap Vent Knob/Fuel Gauge FUEL GAUGE CLOSE VENT KNOB TRANSOM ANGLE ADJUSTING ROD Use the transom angle adjusting rod The vent knob shuts off the fuel tank The fuel gauge indicates the fuel to adjust the motor angle properly.
We recommend that the outboard motor be installed by an authorized Honda outboard motor dealer. Consult the authorized Honda dealer in your area for the Y-OP (User Optional Parts)/equipments installation and operation. Applicable Boat...
INSTALLATION Installation Height If the outboard motor is installed too IDLE PORT 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 150 mm stability will be reduced.
INSTALLATION Motor Attachment Motor Angle (Cruising) INCORRECT INCORRECT CAUSES BOAT TO ‘‘SQUAT’’ CAUSES BOAT TO ‘‘PLOW’’ STERN BRACKET SAFETY ROPE CLAMP SCREW Attach the stern bracket to the transom and tighten the clamp screws. CORRECT GIVES MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE While operating the boat, check Install the outboard motor at the best The trim angle differs according to the tightness of the clamp screws...
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INSTALLATION 〈 〉 Motor Angle Adjustment TO CHANGE UNLOCKED POSITION Adjust the outboard motor so that it is perpendicular to the water surface (i.e. axis of the propeller is parallel with the water surface). ADJUSTING ROD TO LOCK LOCKED POSITION ADJUSTING ROD There are five adjusting stages.
INSTALLATION Battery charging DC receptacle DC RECEPTACLE FUSE HOLDER (Optional parts except SB, LB, SBK, LBK, SBU and LBU types) TO ACCESSORIES DC RECEPTACLE PLUG BATTERY RUBBER COVER FUSE (5A) The DC receptacle provides a 12 volt, Batteries produce explosive 3 amp output for battery charging.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS BF5A/BF4.5B is the 4-stroke, water Removing/Installing Engine Cover cooled outboard motor which uses (REAR) ENGINE COVER unleaded regular gasoline for fuel. It Do not operate the outboard LOCK LEVER also requires the engine oil. Check motor without the engine cover.
〉 〈 〉 Engine Oil Level Recommended oil Inspection and Refilling Use Honda 4-stroke oil or an Engine oil is a major factor equivalent high detergent, premium OIL FILLER CAP/ affecting engine performance quality motor oil certified to meet or DIPSTICK and service life.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS When the engine oil is contaminated Fuel Level FUEL GAUGE or discolored, replace with the fresh engine oil (see pages VENT KNOB replacement interval and procedure). CLOSE Install the engine cover and lock it securely by pulling up the engine cover lock lever.
PRE-OPERATION CHECKS Other Checks Check the following items: The anode metal helps to protect the The propeller and cotter pin for outboard motor from corrosion The possibility of corrosion damage; it must be exposed directly damage is increased if the anode damage or looseness.
STARTING THE ENGINE Fuel Tank and Vent Knob VENT KNOB The fuel tank must be properly fuel hose connector. secured in the boat. This will protect Open the fuel tank vent by turning the fuel tank from mechanical the vent knob at least 2 or 3 turns damage caused by the fuel tank counterclockwise.
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STARTING THE ENGINE Fuel Line Connection FUEL LINE CONNECTOR (FUEL TANK SIDE) Inspect the fuel line, and the O-ring Connect the fuel line connector to seals in the fuel line connectors. the fuel tank. Be sure the fuel line Replace the fuel line, or fuel line connector is securely snapped in connectors if they are cracked, place.
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STARTING THE ENGINE ARROW OUTLET END (TO MOTOR) CLIP PRIMER BULB FUEL LINE CONNECTOR INLET END (TO FUEL TANK) (OUTBOARD MOTOR SIDE) Connect the fuel line connector to Hold the primer bulb so that the the outboard motor. Install the If the outboard end fuel line outlet end is higher than the inlet outboard end fuel line connector...
STARTING THE ENGINE Starting the Engine EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH CLIP Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide which can cause unconsciousness and may lead to death. Never run the outboard motor in a closed garage or confined ENGINE STOP area.
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STARTING THE ENGINE MARK NEUTRAL START CHOKE KNOB SHIFT LEVER THROTTLE GRIP ‘‘ ’’ Move the shift lever to the Align the mark on the When the engine is cold or NEUTRAL position. The recoil throttle grip with the projected end ambient temperature is low, pull starter cannot be operated unless of the...
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STARTING THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT STARTER GRIP Pull the starter grip lightly until After the engine starts, confirm ‘‘ ’’ you feel resistance, then pull The Neutral Starting System that the engine oil pressure briskly in the direction of the prevents the starter rope from indicator light is lit.
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Honda outboard motor dealer. Do normal. not operate the engine until the problem has been corrected. If water does not flow out, or if steam comes out, stop the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE Emergency Starting STARTER ROPE 6 mm FLANGE BOLTS If the recoil starter does not operate properly for some reasons, the engine can be started using the spare starter rope in the tool kit. Move the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
STARTING THE ENGINE Troubleshooting Starting Problems SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY The engine doesn’t start. Starter grip cannot be pulled out for starting Set shift lever in NEUTRAL position. the engine. (page 36) Emergency stop switch clip is not engaged. Engage the emergency stop switch clip. (page 35) Vent knob not open.
OPERATION Break-in Procedure Gear Shifting REVERSE FORWARD NEUTRAL Break-in operation allows the mating surfaces of the moving parts to wear evenly and thus ensures proper performance and longer outboard SHIFT LEVER motor life. NEUTRAL Break-in your new outboard motor as REVERSE follows.
OPERATION Steering STEERING FRICTION BOLT THROTTLE GRIP SLOW The boat swings its stern in the For smooth steering, adjust the When operating in reverse, opposite direction in which it is to steering friction bolt so that a slight proceed with caution to avoid turn.
OPERATION Cruising THROTTLE FORWARD FRICTION KNOB Do not operate without the engine cover. Exposed moving parts could cause injury; water may damage the engine. RELEASE Confirm that the tilt lever is in the ‘‘RUN’’ position. SHIFT LEVER For best performance, passengers and FAST equipment should be distributed evenly to balance the boat.
OPERATION Tilting the Motor GRIP Tilt the motor to prevent the propeller and gear case from hitting NEUTRAL the bottom when the boat is beached or stopped in shallow water. SHIFT LEVER TILT LEVER ‘‘ ’’ Move the shift lever to the Move the tilt lever to the TILT NEUTRAL position and stop the position.
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OPERATION TILT LEVER 70° (when mooring) 45° 30° (when cruising in shallow water) ‘‘ ’’ Set the tilt lever in the TILT To return the motor to the normal ‘‘ ’’ position, and raise the outboard RUN position, move the tilt Make sure water comes out motor to any of the 30°...
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To avoid damaging the motor, use the utmost care Correct or service as necessary, by contacting your when mooring a boat, especially when its motor is authorized Honda outboard motor dealer. tilted up. Don’t allow the motor to strike against the pier or other boats.
1,500 m (5,000 Honda outboard motor dealer feet) above sea level, have your return the carburetor to original authorized Honda dealer perform factory specifications.
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STOPPING THE ENGINE Stopping the Engine THROTTLE GRIP NEUTRAL EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH CLIP EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH PULL SHIFT LEVER EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH LANYARD In an emergency; In normal use; Disengage the emergency stop switch Turn the throttle grip to SLOW clip from the emergency stop switch position and move the shift lever by pulling the emergency stop switch...
STOPPING THE ENGINE EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH In the event that the engine does not stop when you press the emergency stop switch, and pull the emergency stop switch lanyard. If the engine continues to run, pull the choke knob to stop the engine. Remove the emergency stop switch lanyard and store it.
TRANSPORTING Before transporting the motor, Fuel Line Removal disconnect and remove the fuel line in the following procedure. CLIP Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode, causing serious injury or death. Be careful not to spill fuel. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite.
TRANSPORTING Transporting CARRYING HANDLE Carry the outboard motor with more than two people. To carry, hold the Do not carry the outboard To avoid damaging the motor, motor by the carrying handle, or hold motor by the engine cover. The never use it as a handle for lifting by the carrying handle and the lug engine cover can be unlatched...
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TRANSPORTING Transport the motor either vertically Vertical transport STERN BRACKET or horizontally as follows with the steering handle raised. MOTOR STAND Attach the stern brackets to a Move the shift lever to the motor stand and mount the motor REVERSE position and lock the to the brackets.
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TRANSPORTING Horizontal transport INCORRECT CASE PROTECTOR Rest the motor on the case protector. (With steering handle side of the Any other transport or storage motor upward) position may cause damage or oil leakage.
TRANSPORTING Trailering TO DECREASE FRICTION STEERING FRICTION BOLT When trailering or transporting the The motor should be trailed in the boat with the motor attached, it is normal running position. If there is recommended that the motor remain insufficient road clearance in this in normal running position with the position, then trailer the motor in the steering friction bolt tightened...
CLEANING AND FLUSHING After each use in salt water or dirty With Water Hose Joint (Optional NEUTRAL water, thoroughly clean and flush the part) outboard motor in the following WATER HOSE procedure. JOINT For safety, the propeller must be removed. Be sure the outboard motor is securely mounted, and do not leave it unattended while...
CLEANING AND FLUSHING Without Water Hose Joint ANTICAVITATION PLATE ANTICAVITATION PLATE When the water hose joint is not used, After flushing, stop the engine, stand the outboard in a suitable remove the water container, and container of fresh water. reinstall the propeller (see page Tilt down the outboard motor.
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If engine will overheat. the engine must be run, make Use only Honda Genuine parts sure the area is well ventilated. or their equivalents for Never run the engine in an maintenance or repair. The use enclosed or confined area.
MAINTENANCE Tool Kit and Spare Parts TOOL KIT The following tools and spare parts FLAT SCREWDRIVER are supplied with the outboard motor PLIERS × 12 mm for maintenance, adjustment, and WRENCH emergency repairs. TOOL BAG PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER Spare shear pins and cotter pins are located inside the engine SPARK PLUG compartment above the stern bracket.
Emission related items (For BF4.5B only) Lubricate more frequently when used in salt water. These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda Outboard Motor dealer, unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Refer to Honda Shop Manual for service procedures.
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Emission related items (For BF4.5B only) Lubricate more frequently when used in salt water. These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda Outboard Motor dealer, unless the owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Refer to Honda Shop Manual for service procedures.
MAINTENANCE 〈 〉 Engine Oil Change Oil change interval: Engine Oil Replacement Insufficient or contaminated engine 20 operating hours after the date of oil adversely affects the service life purchase or first month for initial of the sliding and moving parts. replacement, then every 100 operating hours or 6 months.
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MAINTENANCE DIPSTICK UPPER LEVEL 0.55 L (0.58 US qt, 0.48 lmp qt) LOWER LEVEL 0.40 L (0.42 US qt, 0.35 lmp qt) DRAIN BOLT Remove the engine oil drain bolt Refill to the upper level mark on Reinstall the oil filler cap securely. and sealing washer, and drain the the dipstick with the recommended engine oil.
If there is water in the oil, the water will flow out first when the drain plug is removed, or the oil will be a milky color. If water is detected in the oil, consult with an authorized Honda outboard motor dealer.
MAINTENANCE 〈 〉 Oil Change Starter Rope Check Replacement procedure is the same as that of the refilling. Remove the level plug and drain plug to drain the oil. Inject oil through the drain plug hole until it starts flowing out through the level plug hole.
MAINTENANCE Spark Plug Service SPARK PLUG WRENCH To ensure proper engine operation, − 0.8 mm the spark plug must be properly (0.028 − 0.031 in) gapped and free of deposits. The spark plug becomes very hot during operation and will remain hot to awhile after stopping the engine.
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MAINTENANCE Check the spark plug washer is in good condition, and thread the plug in by hand to prevent cross threading. After the spark plug is seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer. If installing new spark plug, tighten 1/2 turn after the spark plug seats to compress the washer.
MAINTENANCE Lubrication Wipe the outside of the engine with a cloth dipped in clean oil. Apply marine anticorrosion grease to the following parts: Lubrication interval: ENGINE COVER 20 hours or a month after the date of purchase for initial THROTTLE CABLE AND PIVOT LOCK LEVER SHIFT SHAFT AND PIVOT lubrication, then every 100 hours or 6 months.
MAINTENANCE Fuel Filter Replacement The fuel filter is located between the fuel line connector and the fuel pump. Gasoline is extremely Water or sediment accumulated in flammable, and gasoline the fuel filter can cause loss of power vapor can explode, causing or hard starting.
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MAINTENANCE 〈 〉 Replacement The arrow marks indicate the fuel flow direction. FUEL FILTER TUBE CLAMPS Disconnect the fuel tank line from Install the new fuel filter so that Remove the clamps used to close the motor. the arrow mark on the fuel filter is the fuel tubes.
MAINTENANCE Fuel Tank and Tank Filter Cleaning Clean the fuel tank and tank filter every year or after every 200 hours of outboard motor operation. 〈 〉 Fuel Tank Cleaning Disconnect the fuel line from fuel tank. Empty the tank, pour in a small quantity of gasoline, and clean the tank thoroughly by shaking it.
Carbon monoxide does not react in the same way, but it is FILTER toxic. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. utilizes lean carburetor settings and other system to reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Turn the tank filter joint...
Remove the broken shear pin and replace it with a new one. Use a Honda Genuine shear pin and Install the propeller, then install cotter pin. When replacing, remove the the propeller cap finger tight.
If the corrosion. engine binds when cranked, do If there is a Honda outboard motor not attempt to run the motor dealership nearby, take the motor until it has been repaired.
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Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into As soon as possible, take the motor the spark plug hole, then pull the to a Honda outboard motor dealer starter rope several times to for inspection and service. lubricate the inside of the cylinder.
Firmly close the fuel cap and carburetor. Honda outboard motor dealer before vent knob. (see page storage. However, the following Draining the Gasoline Remove the engine cover.
STORAGE After draining thoroughly, tighten Motor Storage spark plug. the drain screws securely. Be sure Tilt the outboard motor, remove Slowly pull the starter grip until to drain thoroughly as the gasoline the plug caps, pull the recoil starter resistance is felt. At this point, the deteriorates as time goes by.
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STORAGE Vertical storage Horizontal storage INCORRECT CASE PROTECTOR Attach the stern brackets to a Rest the motor on the case protector. motor stand and mount the motor (With steering handle side of the Any other transport or storage to the brackets. (page motor upward) position may cause damage or oil Store the motor with the steering...
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(page 28) carburetor float bowl. Unmatched propeller is Consult with an (page 75) selected. authorized Honda Engine is flooded. Clean and dry the spark outboard motor dealer. plug. Passengers are not Distribute the passengers (page 65) distributed equally.
Do not load on distributed passengers or the boat excessively. excessive load on the boat. Thermostat is faulty. Consult with an authorized Honda outboard motor dealer. Cavitation. Install outboard motor proper position. (page 22 to 25) 〈 Engine overrevs 〉...
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(98/37/EC, ICOMIA 38-94) Cooling system Water cooling with thermostat Reference to: ICOMIA Standard: as it specifies the engine (volumetric pump) operating conditions and measurement conditions. Exhaust system Underwater exhaust Honda outboards are power rated in accordance with ISO8665 (propeller shaft output).
Cooling system Water cooling with thermostat (98/37/EC, ICOMIA 38-94) (volumetric pump) Reference to: ICOMIA Standard: as it specifies the engine Exhaust system Underwater exhaust operating conditions and measurement conditions. Honda outboards are power rated in accordance with ISO8665 (propeller shaft output).
MAJOR Honda DISTRIBUTOR ADDRESSES For further information, please contact Honda Customer Information Centre at the following address or telephone number: For European AUSTRIA BULGARIA CZECH REPUBLIC FRANCE Honda Motor Europe (North) Kirov Ltd. BG Technik cs, a.s. Honda Relations Clients Hondastraße 1...
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MAJOR Honda DISTRIBUTOR ADDRESSES For further information, please contact Honda Customer Information Centre at the following address or telephone number: For European (continued) HUNGARY ITALY NORWAY REPUBLIC OF BELARUS Motor Pedo Co., Ltd. Honda Italia Industriale S.p.A. AS Kellox Kamaraerdei út 3 Via della Cecchignola, 5/7 Boks 170 - Nygårdsveien 67...
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MAJOR Honda DISTRIBUTOR ADDRESSES For further information, please contact Honda Customer Information Centre at the following address or telephone number: For European (continued) For Australian SLOVAK REPUBLIC Tenerife province TURKEY AUSTRALIA Honda Slovakia, s.r.o. (Canary Islands) Anadolu Motor Uretim ve Pazarlama Honda Australia Motorcycle Prievozská...
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Maintenance ..............57 Component Identification ..........12 Schedule ..............59 Controls ................15 Major Honda Distributor Addresses ......83 Cruising in Shallows ............47 Motor Draining the Gasoline ............ . 75 Angle ..............24, 25...