Honda Bf8a Owners Manual

59
LOCK HOOK
LOCK WASHER LOCK HOOK
BOLTLOOSE
SERVICING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR
ENGINE COVER LOCK ADJUSTMENT
The engine cover should fit tightly to keep the engine compartment dry. If
adjustment is needed, reposition the lock hook.
1. Remove the engine cover, and loosen the lock hook bolt with a 10 mm
wrench.
2. Reposition the lock hook, and retighten the bolt. Be sure the lock washer
serrations align with the hook serrations when tightening the bolt.
3. Install and lock the engine cover. Check whether the...

60
HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
STORING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your outboard motor
trouble-free and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and
corrosion from impairing your outboard motor’s function and appearance, and
will make the engine easier to start when you use the outboard motor again.
Cleaning and Flushing
Wash the outside of the outboard motor with clean, fresh water, and flush the
cooling system as described...

61
HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
The Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or
engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a gasoline stabilizer that is
formulated for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by
draining all the fuel from the fuel tank and carburetor.
Adding a Fuel Stabilizer
When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline. If only partially
filled,...

62 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Draining the Fuel Tank and Carburetor
You can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the fuel tank and
carburetors.
1. Disconnect the fuel hose from the outboard motor.
2. 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.
Loosen the drain screw to drain fuel from the carburetor.
3. After the fuel has drained from the carburetor, tighten the drain screw
securely....

63 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Storage Precautions
Select a well-ventilated storage area. If possible, avoid storage areas with high
humidity.
If your portable 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.
Store the outboard motor either vertically, or horizontally with the tiller handle
side down, as shown.
If...

64 HELPFUL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
Removal From Storage
Check your outboard motor as described in the BEFORE OPERATION
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
With outboard motor installed on boat
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
securely (p. 36).
If there is...

65
ENGINE WILL NOT START
1. Is the emergency stop switch clip in place?
2. Is the gearshift lever in neutral?
3. Is there fuel in the fuel tank?
4. Is the fuel cap vent knob turned to open?
5. Is the fuel system primed by squeezing the priming bulb?
6. Is fuel reaching the carburetor?
Loosen the carburetor drain screw to see if there is fuel in the carburetor
float bowl.
7. Is the spark plug in good condition?
Remove and inspect the spark plug. Readjust gap and dry the spark
plug. Replace it if...

66 TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
BATTERY DOES NOT CHARGE
The battery-charging circuit is protected by a 5-ampere fuse.
If the fuse burns out, running the engine will not charge the battery.
Fuse Replacement
1. With the engine stopped, remove the engine cover.
2. Pull the rubber cover off the end of the fuse holder, and unscrew the fuse
holder cap.
3. Remove and inspect the fuse. If the fuse is burnt out, install a replacement
5-ampere fuse.
Never use a fuse with a rating greater than 5-amperes....

67 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 dealer nearby, take the motor to the dealer
immediately. If you are far from a dealer, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the engine cover, and rinse the outboard motor with fresh water
to remove salt water, sand, mud, etc.
2. Loosen the carburetor drain screw (p. 62), drain the contents of the
carburetor into a...

68
STARTER GRIP
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS
5. Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into the spark plug hole, then pull the starter
grip several times to lubricate the inside of the cylinders. Reinstall the spark
plug and engage the emergency engine stop switch clip with the engine
stop switch.
6. Attempt to start the engine.
 •If the engine fails to start, remove the spark plug, clean and dry the
electrode, then reinstall the spark plug and attempt to start the engine
again.
 •If the engine starts, and...