Honda Outboard Motor BF2A Owner's Manual page 17

5. Pull. the starter rope slowly until resistance is felt, then pull briskly.
CAUTION: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the housing;
return it gently by hand to prevent damage to the starter.
STARiER GRIP
6. After starting, be sure water is flowing out of the water check hole.
CAUTION: If water does not flow out, or if steam comes out, stop the
engine. Check to see if the screen in the cooling water inlet is obstructed.
Do not operate the engine until the problem has been corrected.
OBSTRUCTED
WATER CHECK HOLE
15