Operation; Break-In Procedure; Gear Shifting - Honda BF4A Operation And Maintenance Ma

8. OPERATION

Break-in Procedure

Break-in operation allows the mating
surfaces of the moving parts to wear
evenly and thus ensures proper
performance and longer outboard
motor life.
Break-in your new outboard motor as
follows.
• First 15 minutes:Run the outboard
motor at trolling speed. Use the
minimum amount of throttle
opening necessary to operate the
boat at a safe trolling speed.
• Next 45 minutes:Run the outboard
motor up to a maximum of 10% to
30% throttle opening.
• Next 60 minutes: Run the outboard
motor up to maximum of 50% to
80% throttle opening. Short bursts
of full throttle are acceptable but do
not operate the outboard motor
continuously at full throttle.
• Next 8 hours: Avoid continuous
full throttle operation (100%
throttle opening). Do not run the
outboard motor at full throttle for
more than 5 minutes at a time.
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Gear Shifting

NEUTRAL
SHIFT LEVER
REVERSE
The shift lever has three positions:
FORWARD, NEUTRAL, and
REVERSE.
An indicator at the base of the shift
lever aligns with the icon attached at
the base of the shift lever.
Turn the throttle grip to SLOW to
decrease engine speed before moving
the shift lever.
NEUTRAL
REVERSE
FORWARD
FORWARD
Do not turn the throttle grip in the
FAST direction in REVERSE and
NEUTRAL gear.