Honda BF40D Owner's Manual page 108

TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
6. Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into
each spark plug hole, then pull the
emergency starter rope several
times to lubricate the inside of the
cylinders.
7. Reinstall the spark plugs and
alternator cover, and put the
emergency stop switch clip into
the emergency stop switch.
106
8. Attempt to start the engine (be sure
the water level is at least 2 inches
above the antiventilation plate).
Running the outboard motor without
suf f icient cooling water will damage
the water pump and overheat the
engine.
If the engine fails to start, remove
the spark plugs and dry them, then
reinstall the spark plugs and
attempt to start the engine again.
If the engine starts, and no
mechanical damage is evident,
continue to run the engine for a
half hour or longer. Be sure the
water level is at least two inches
above the antiventilation plate to
avoid overheating and water pump
damage.
9. As soon as possible, take the
outboard motor to an authorized
Honda Marine dealer for
inspection and service.