Page 1
Owner’s Manual Outboard Motor BF2A 81997 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - 81997 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved...
Page 2
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State defects or other reproductive harm. Keep this owner’s manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This owner’s manual is considered a permanent part of the outboard motor and should remain with the outboard motor if resold.
Page 3
INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your selection of a Honda outboard motor. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the finest outboard motors on the market. We want to help you get the best results from your new outboard motor and to operate it safely.
Page 4
INTRODUCTION A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY Your safety and the safety of others are very important. And using this outboard motor safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
CONTENTS OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY ..............7 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..........7 Operator Responsibility ..............7 Refuel With Care ................Carbon Monoxide Hazard ..............8 SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS ............... 9 CONTROLS & FEATURES ..............COMPONENT & CONTROL LOCATIONS .......... 16 CONTROLS ..................Engine Stop Switch ................
Page 6
CONTENTS BEFORE OPERATION ................ARE YOU READY TO GET UNDER WAY? ........20 Knowledge ..................Safety Apparel ................. IS YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR READY TO GO? ........20 Safety Inspection ................Maintenance Inspection ..............OPERATION ..................... SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS ...........22 BREAK-IN PROCEDURE ..............
Page 8
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION (continued) WIRING DIAGRAMS ................CONSUMER INFORMATION .............. 66 Honda Publications ................. Warranty Service Information ............67 INDEX ......................
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Honda BF2A outboard motor is designed for use with boats that have a suitable manufacturer’s power recommendation, and other uses can result in injury to the operator or damage to the outboard motor and other property. Most accidents can be prevented if you follow all instructions in this manual and on the outboard motor.
Refuel With Care Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Refuel outdoors, in a well-ventilaed area, with the engine stopped. Never smoke near gasoline, and keep other flames and sparks away. Refuel carefully to avoid spilling fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel tank. After refueling, tighten the filler cap securely.
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS The labels shown here contain important safety information. Please read them carefully. These labels are considered permanent parts of your outboard motor. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized Honda servicing dealer-for a replacement.
CONTROLS Engine Stop Switch ENGINE STOP SWITCH The engine stop switch has controls for normal engine stopping and emergency engine stopping. In normal operation, press the en- gine stop button to stop the engine. A clip and lanyard system stops the engine automatically if the operator LANYARD falls away from the controls.
CONTROLS & FEATURES Throttle Lever The throttle lever controls engine speed. Moving the throttle lever in the di- rections shown makes the engine run faster or slower. Fuel Valve Lever FUEL VALVE LEVER The fuel valve opens and closes the connection between the fuel tank and the carburetor.
Steering Friction Bolt The steering friction bolt adjusts steering resistance. Turn the bolt clockwise to increase TO DECREASE friction for holding a steady course while cruising or to prevent the out- board motor from swinging while trailering the boat. STEERING FRICTION BOLT Turn the bolt counterclockwise to reduce steering friction.
CONTROLS & FEATURES Transom Angle Adjusting Bolt The transom angle adjusting bolt is used to adjust the angle of the out- board motor in the normal operating position (see page 19). Loosen the wing nut to free the adjusting bolt. Adjust the angle of the outboard motor, and tighten the wing nut.
FEATURES Water Check Hole Water should flow from the water check hole while the engine is run- ning. This shows that water is circu- lating through the engine cooling system (see page 25). NORMAL FLOW WATER CHECK HOLE Anode The anode is a sacrificial material which helps to protect the outboard motor from corrosion.
INSTALLATION It is your responsibility to choose a boat suitable for the engine. facturer’s power recommendation. TRANSOM HEIGHT INSTALLATION POSITION Install at the stern, at the center line of the boat. INSTALLATION HEIGHT For proper propeller depth and engine cooling, the boat’s transom height must match the motor’s shaft length.
INSTALLATION OUTBOARD MOTOR ATTACHMENT Attach the stern bracket to the tran- som and tighten the clamp screws. Before operating the boat, check the tightness of the clamp screws. Tie a rope through the hole in the stern bracket and secure the other end of the rope to the boat.
INSTALLATION MOTOR ANGLE ADJUSTMENT If the propeller shaft is not parallel with the water surface, adjust by changing the transom angle adjust- ing bolt position. There are four adjusting stages. 1. Loosen the wing nut to free the adjusting bolt. 2.
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.
BEFORE OPERATION Safety Inspection Look around for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. Make sure the fuel filler cap and cap gasket are in good condition. 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.
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 on page 7 and the chapter titled IMPORTANT SAFETY...
STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Put the emergency engine stop switch clip in the engine stop switch, and attach the lanyard to your wrist. The engine will not start or run, unless the clip is in the switch. The emergency engine stop switch clip and lanyard system is a safety device that will stop the engine if you fall away from the controls while operating the boat.
Page 26
OPERATION position. 3. Move the fuel value lever to the ON FUEL VALVE LEVER 4. Move the throttle lever to the START position. Do not start the engine with the throttle lever in the FAST position, or the boat will move suddenly when the engine starts. LE LEVER 5.
Page 27
6. Pull the recoil starter grip slowly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter. Do not pull the starter grip while the engine is running, as that may damage the starter.
EMERGENCY STARTING If ‘the recoil starter is not working properly, the engine can be started with the spare starter rope in the tool kit. 1. Remove the engine cover. 2. Remove the recoil starter by removing the three 6 mm bolts. 3.
OPERATION STOPPING THE ENGINE Emergency Engine Stopping Disengage the emergency engine stop switch clip from the engine stop switch by pulling the lanyard. It is a good idea to stop the engine with the emergency engine stop switch lanyard from time to time to be sure that the switch is operating properly. Normal Engine Stopping EMERGENCY STOP 1.
Page 30
OPERATION 3. Move the-fuel valve lever to the OFF position. FUEL VALVE LEVER 4. Close the fuel tank vent by turning vent knob clockwise. FUEL CAP VENT KNOB...
STEERING To turn to the right, swing the tiller handle to the left. To turn to the left, swing the tiller handle to the right. Boats equipped with a remote control steering wheel are controlled in the same way as a car. RIGHT TURN LEFT TURN Swing the tiller handle to the right.
OPERATION CRUISING Turn the throttle lever toward FAST to increase speed. For normal cruising, open the throttle about 3/4. For best performance, passengers and equipment should be distributed evenly to balance the boat. THROlT; LEVER...
REVERSING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR 1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position. (NOTICE/ Before rotating the outboard motor (from either forward to reverse or from reverse to forward) reduce the engine speed to SLOW, or the boat could capsize. THRO 2.
OPERATION TILTING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR Tilt the motor prevent the propeller and gear case from hitting bottom when the boat is beached or stopped in shallow water. 1. Stop the engine and turn the fuel valve lever off. 2. Close the fuel tank vent, turn the vent knob clockwise. 3.
Page 35
OPERATION To avoid damaging the motor, be very careful when mooring a boat, especially when its motor is tilted up. Don’t allow the motor to strike against the pier or other boats.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and trouble-free opera- tion. It will also help reduce air pollution. Improperly maintaining this outboard motor, or failure to correct a problem before operation, can cause a malfunction in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR MAINTENANCE SAFETY Some of the most important safety precautions follow. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing mainte- nance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions...
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR TOOL KIT AND SPARE PARTS The following tools and spare parts are supplied with the outboard motor for maintenance, adjustment, and emergency repairs. Spare shear pins and cotter pins are located near the oil filler cap inside the engine cover.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR REFUELING Fuel tank capacity: 0.26 US gal (1.0 4?, 0.22 Imp gal) VENT KNOB NJELFuE~~*P With the engine stopped, turn the vent knob counterclockwise to the open position and remove the fuel filler cap. Refill the fuel tank if the fuel level is low.
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS Use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. This outboard motor is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends exhaust system life. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt or water in the fuel tank.
COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING AND FLUSHING After each use in salt water or dirty water, thoroughly clean and flush the outboard motor. For safety, the propeller must be removed. Be sure the outboard motor is securely mounted, and do not leave it unattended while running.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK Check the engine oil level with the engine stopped and the outboard motor in a vertical position. Check the oil level shown on the oil level inspection window. If the oil level is near or below the lower limit mark on the window, fill with the recommended oil (see page 43) to the upper limit mark on the dipstick.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR ENGINE OIL CHANGE Drain the used oil while the engine is warm. Warm oil drains quickly and completely. 1. Move the fuel valve lever to the OFF position, and turn the fuel vent knob clockwise to the CLOSE position. 2.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS Oil is a major factor affecting performance and service life. Use 4-stroke automotive detergent oil. SAE 1 OW-30 is recommended for general use. Other viscosities shown in the chart may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the recommended range.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR GEAR OIL LEVEL CHECK Check the oil level when the motor is in the vertical position. Remove the level plug and see if oil flows out. If no oil flows out, use a commercially available oil pump or squeeze tube to fill the gear case with gear oil recommended on page 45.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR GEAR OIL CHANGE Recommended oil : Marine SAESO hypoid gear oil API Service Classification (GL-4 or GL-5) Oil Capacity US qt (0.05 e, 0.041 Imp qt) : 0.05 Remove the level plug and drain plug and allow the gear oil to thoroughly drain into a suitable container.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR LUBRICATION Apply marine anticorrosion grease to the following areas: II I CLAMP SCREW .iWlVEL CASE GREASE NIPPLE ADJUSTING PREPELLER SHAFT Apply anticorrosion oil to pivot surfaces where grease cannot penetrate.
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR SPARK PLUG SERVICE Recommended spark plug: BMR4A (NGK) 1. Remove the engine cover. 2. Remove the spark plug cap. 3. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug. 4. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard the spark plug if there is apparent wear, or if the insulators are cracked or chipped.
Page 50
SERVICING YOUR HONDA OUTBOARD MOTOR 6. Check that the spark plug washer are in good condition, and thread the spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading. 7. After the spark plug are seated, tighten with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
RECOIL STARTER ROPE INSPECTION Inspect the recoil starter rope, and replace it if it becomes frayed. Always keep the tool kit’s emer- gency starter rope onboard in case the recoil starter rope fails. ANODE REPLACEMENT The anode is a sacrificial material which helps to protect the outboard motor from corrosion.
SHEAR PIN REPLACEMENT A shear pin is used to protect the propeller and drive mechanism from damage when the propeller strikes an obstruction. 1. Remove the cotter pin, the propeller cap, and the propeller. 2. Remove the broken shear pin and replace it with a new one. 3.
HELPFULTIPS & SUGGESTIONS STORING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR Storage Preparation Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your pump troublefree and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and corrosion from impairing your outboard motors function and appearance, and will make the engine easier to start when you use the outboard motor again.
Page 54
HELPFULTIPS & SUGGESTIONS 1. 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. Turn the fuel filler cap vent knob counterclockwise to the open position. Gasoline is highly flammable DRAIN SCREW and explosive.
HELPFULTIPS & SUGGESTIONS Storage Precautions Select a well-ventilated storage area. If possible, avoid storage areas with high humidity. If your 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.
HELPFUL TIPS a SUGGESTIONS Removal From Storage Check your outboard motor as described in the BEFORE OPfRATlON 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 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...
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ENGINE WILL NOT START 1. Is the emergency stop switch clip in place? 2. Is there fuel in the fuel tank? 3. Is the fuel cap vent knob turned to open? 4. Is fuel reaching the carburetor? Loosen the carburetor drain screw to see if there is fuel in the carburetor float bowl.
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 dealership nearby, take the motor immediately to the dealer. If you are far from a dealership, proceed as follows: Remove the engine cover, and rinse the motor with fresh water to remove salt water, sand, mud, etc.
Page 59
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS 6. Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into each spark plug hole, then pull the recoil starter several times to lubricate the inside of the cylinders. Reinstall the spark plugs and engage the emergency engine stop switch clip with the engine stop switch.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION Serial Number Locations ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER Record the engine and frame serial numbers in the space below. You will need these serial numbers when ordering parts, and when making technical or waranty inquiries (see page 67). Engine serial number: Frame serial number:...
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Carburetor Modification for High Altitude Operation At high altitude, the standard carburetor air-fuel mixture will be too rich. Performance will decrease, and fuel consumption will increase. A very rich mixture will also foul the spark plug and cause hard starting. High altitude performance can be improved by specific modifications to the carburetor.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Emission Control System Information Source of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and hydrocarbons. Control of hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is very impor- tant because, under certain conditions, they react to form photochemical smog when subjected to sunlight.
Page 64
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Problems That May Affect Emissions If you are aware of any of the following symptoms, have your engine inspected and repaired by your servicing dealer. Hard starting or stalling after starting. Rough idle. Misfiring or backfiring under load. Afterburning (backfiring).
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Specifications Gear case: Marine SAE 90 hypoid gear oil Honda outboards are power rated in accordance with NMMA procedures and using the ICOMIA standard 28/23.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Tuneup Spark plug gap 0.024-0.028 in (0.60-0.70 mm) See page 47. Idle speed 1,100*5Orpm See shop manual. See shop manual. Valve clearance 0.12 * 0.02 mm Intake: (cold) Exhaust: 0.20 f 0.02 mm Other specifications No other adjustments needed.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION CONSUMER INFORMATION Honda Publications These publications will give you additional information for maintaining and repairing your engine. You may order them from your Honda marine dealer. Shop Manual This manual covers complete maintenance and overhaul procedures. It is intended to be used by a skilled technician.
TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION Warranty Service Information Honda marine dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership’s management.
Page 70
Current customer service contact information: Your owner's manual was written to cover most of the questions you might ask about your Honda. Any questions not answered in the owner's manual can be answered by your Honda dealer. If your dealer doesn't have an immediate answer, they should be able to get it for you.
INDEX Anode ..........................16 ANODE REPLACEMENT .
Page 72
INDEX FEATURES ........................Anode ..........................Water Check Hole ......................FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS................... Fuel Cap Vent Knob......................GEAR OIL CHANGE ......................45 GEAR OIL LEVEL CHECK .
Page 73
INDEX OPERATION ........................BREAK-IN PROCEDURE ....................CRUISING ........................EMERGENCY STARTING ..................... REVERSING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR ..............SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS ................STARTING THE ENGINE ....................STEERING ........................STOPPING THE ENGINE..........................Emergency Engine Stopping Normal Engine Stopping ..................... TILTING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR ................OUTBOARD MOTOR ATTACHMENT..
Page 74
INDEX Storage Preparation ......................SUBMERGED MOTOR ...................... TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS .............. 55 TECHNICAL & CONSUMER INFORMATION ..............58 TECHNICAL INFORMATION..................... THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE ................Throttle Lever........................TILTING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR ................. Tilt Lever ..........................TOOL KIT AND SPARE PARTS..................TRANSPORTING..
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Unleaded gasoline with a pump octane Type rating of 86 or higher (page 42) Fuel 0.26 US gal (1 .O Q) Capacity SAE 1 OW-30, API SF or SG, for general Type use (page 43) Engine Oil 0.42 US qt (0.40 4) Capacity Marine SAE 90 hypoid, API GL-4 or GL-5...