The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth 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.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the
time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced
without written permission.
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. This
manual contains the information on
how to do that; please read it
carefully.
As you read this manual you will
find information preceded by a
symbol. That information
is intended to help you avoid damage
to your outboard motor, other
property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the warranty
policy to fully understand its
coverage and your responsibilities of
ownership. The warranty policy is a
separate document that should have
been given to you by your dealer.
When your outboard motor needs
scheduled maintenance, keep in mind
that your Honda marine dealer is
specially trained in servicing Honda
outboard motors. Your Honda marine
dealer is dedicated to your
satisfaction and will be pleased to
answer your questions and concerns.
2003 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. All
Rights Reserved
1
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.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining an outboard motor. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
three signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
Safety Headings
Safety Section
Instructions
This entire book is filled with important saf ety informationplease read it
carefully.
−
on the outboard motor.
−
preceded by a safety alert symboland one of
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
−
such as
−
such as
−
how to use this outboard motor correctly and safely.
This Owner’s Manual is using the following type names
when it describes the operations special to a type.
Tiller handle type:
Remote control type:
Gas-assisted type:
Power tilt type:
Check the type of your outboard motor and read this
Owner’s Manual thoroughly before operation.
Texts with no type indication are the information and/or
procedures common to all types.
H type
R type
G type
T type
6
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
Honda BF15D/BFP15D/BF20D and
BFP20D outboard motors are
designed for use with boats that have
a suitable manufacturer’s power
recommendation. 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.
The most common hazards are
discussed below, along with the best
way to protect yourself and others.
Operator Responsibility
It is the operator’s responsibility to
provide the necessary safeguards
to protect people and property.
Know how to stop the engine
quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls.
Stop the engine immediately if
anyone falls overboard, and do not
run the engine while the boat is
near anyone in the water.
Always stop the engine if you
must leave the controls for any
reason.
Attach the emergency stop switch
lanyard securely to the operator.
Always wear a PFD (Personal
Flotation Device) while on the
boat.
Familiarize yourself with all laws
and regulations relating to boating
and the use of outboard motors.
Be sure that anyone who operates
the outboard motor receives proper
instruction.
Be sure the outboard motor is
properly mounted on the boat.
Do not remove the engine cover
while the engine is running.
7
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
Carbon Monoxide HazardRefuel With Care
Gasoline is extremely flammable,
and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel outdoors, in a wellventilated area, with the engine
stopped. Never smoke near
gasoline, and keep other flames
and sparks away.
Remove any portable fuel tank
from the boat for refueling. Keep
the portable fuel tank away from
the battery or other potential spark
sources.
Refuel carefully to avoid spilling
fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel
tank.
After refueling, tighten the filler
cap securely. If any fuel is spilled,
make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
Exhaust gas contains poisonous
carbon monoxide. Avoid inhalation
of exhaust gas. Never run the engine
in a closed garage or confined area.
8
SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
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
Marine servicing dealer for a replacement.
9
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
CONTROL AND FEATURE IDENTIFICATION CODES
Model
Type
Shaft Length
Tiller Handle
Remote Control
Electric Starter
Gas-assisted Tilt
Power Tilt
Battery Charging DC
Receptacle
Tachometer
SHA
S
H
LHA
L
H
XHA
X
H
SHSA
S
H
S
LHSA
L
H
S
SHGA
LHGA
XHGA
LRA
LGA
S
L
L
H
R
S
G
*****
L
H
H
S
S
G
G
LHTA
X
L
H
H
S
S
G
T
SRTA
S
R
S
T
SHTA
L
H
S
T
Refer to this chart for an explanation of the Type Codes used in this manual to identify control and feature applications.
BF15D/BFP15D are provided with the
following types according to the shaft
length, control system, tilt system, and start
system.
Control System
H: Tiller Handle Control
R: Remote Control
Tilt system
Gas-assisted Tilt (with gas damper
G:
(Example)
LHSA
assist function)
Power Tilt (with hydraulic assist
T:
function)
Shaft Length
S: Short Shaft
L: Long Shaft
X: Extra Long Shaft
Optional Equipment
:
*
Standard Equipment
:
BFP15DBF15D
LRTA
L
R
S
T
XHTA
X
H
S
T
P
LRTA
Destination
A=United States
S=Electric Starter
G=Gas-assisted Tilt
T=Power Tilt
R=Remote Control
H=Tiller Handle
S=Short Shaft
L=Long Shaft
X=Extra Long Shaft
XRTA
L
X
R
R
S
S
T
T
P
PPower Thrust Propeller
10
Model
BF20D
BFP20D
Type
Shaft Length
Tiller Handle
Remote Control
Electric Starter
Gas-assisted Tilt
Power Tilt
Power Thrust Propeller
Battery Charging DC
Receptacle
Tachometer
SHA
S
H
LHA
L
H
SHSA
S
H
S
LHSA
L
H
S
XHSA
X
H
S
SHTA
SRA
LRA
S
L
R
R
S
S
*****
LGA
L
H
G
SHGA
S
H
S
G
X
L
H
H
S
S
G
G
XHGA
LHGA
LHTA
S
L
H
H
S
S
T
T
Refer to this chart for an explanation of the Type Codes used in this manual to identify control and feature applications.
BF20D/BFP20D are provided with the
following types according to the shaft
length, control system, tilt system, and start
system.
Control System
H: Tiller Handle Control
R: Remote Control
Tilt system
Gas-assisted Tilt (with gas damper
G:
(Example)
LHSA
assist function)
Power Tilt (with hydraulic assist
T:
function)
Shaft Length
S: Short Shaft
L: Long Shaft
X: Extra Long Shaft
Optional Equipment
:
*
Standard Equipment
:
XHTA
SRTA
LRTA
X
S
H
R
S
S
T
T
Destination
A=United States
S=Electric Starter
G=Gas-assisted Tilt
T=Power Tilt
R=Remote Control
H=Tiller Handle
S=Short Shaft
L=Long Shaft
X=Extra Long Shaft
LRTA
L
L
R
R
S
S
T
T
P
11
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
COMPONENT AND CONTROL LOCATIONS
H Type (tiller handle)
RECOIL STARTER GRIP
OIL FILLER CAP
OIL LEVEL
DIPSTICK
COOLING
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ENGINE OIL
DRAIN SCREW
ANODES
SHIFT LEVER
TILLER
HANDLE
TILT LEVER
(except G and
T types)
MANUAL
RELIEF
VALUE
(T type only)
TILT LEVER
(G type only)
COOLING WATER
INTAKE PORT
STERN
BRACKET
CLAMP
SCREW
ADJUSTING
ROD
GEAR OIL
LEVEL PLUG
GEAR OIL
DRAIN PLUG
ELECTRIC STARTER
BUTTON
(Electric starter type only)
ENGINE COVER
PROPELLER
CHOKE KNOB
(Equipped type only)
FUEL HOSE
CONNECTOR
FLUSH PORT
HOLE
(Inside engine cover)
STEERING
FRICTION LEVER
ANTIVENTILATION PLATE
EXHAUST PORT
OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHT
SWITCH CLIP
POWER TILT
SWITCH
(T type only)
ENGINE STOP
SWITCH
THROTTLE
FRICTION
ADJUSTER
THROTTLE
GRIP
LANYARD
12
R Type (remote control)
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
OIL FILLER CAP
OIL LEVEL
DIPSTICK
COOLING
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ENGINE OIL
DRAIN SCREW
RECOIL STARTER GRIP
ENGINE COVER
STERN
BRACKET
TILT LEVER
(except T type)
CLAMP
SCREW
MANUAL
RELIEF
VALVE
(T type only)
COOLING WATER
INTAKE PORT
ADJUSTING
ROD
GEAR OIL
LEVEL PLUG
FLUSH PORT HOLE
(Inside engine cover)
GEAR OIL
DRAIN PLUG
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
POWER TILT
SWITCH
(T type only)
SPARE SWITCH
CLIP
REMOTE CONTROL
FRICTION ADJUSTER
ANODES
ANTIVENTILATION
PLATE
EXHAUST PORT
PROPELLER
LANYARD
SWITCH CLIP
NEUTRAL RELEASE
LEVER
OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR LIGHT
OVERHEATING
INDICATOR LIGHT
FAST IDLE
LEVER
BUZZER
(inside box)
IGNITION
SWITCH
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
13
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
FUEL GAUGEVENT KNOB
TACHOMETER
(optional equipment)
(R type)
PRIMING BULB
FUEL TANK
FUEL CAP
FUEL HOSE
FUEL HOSE CONNECTOR
(FEMALE)
14
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
CONTROLS
H Type (tiller handle)
Engine Stop Switch and Switch
Clip
ENGINE STOP
SWITCH
LANYARD
SWITCH CLIP
The engine stop switch has controls
for normal engine stopping and
emergency engine stopping.
The switch clip must be inserted in
the engine stop switch in order for
the engine to start and run. The
lanyard should be attached to the
operator’s PFD (Personal Flotation
Device) or worn around the wrist as
shown.
When used as described, the engine
stop switch and lanyard system stops
the engine if the operator falls away
from the controls.
A spare switch clip is supplied with
the tool kit.
Choke Knob (H type manual
choke)
CHOKE KNOB
OOPPEENN
CCLLOOSSEEDD
The choke knob opens and closes the
choke valves in the carburetors.
The CLOSED position enriches the
fuel mixture for starting a cold
engine.
The OPEN position provides the
correct fuel mixture for operation
after starting, and for restarting a
warm engine.
LANYARD
15
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Throttle GripGearshif t LeverThrottle Friction Adjuster
THROTTLE INDEX
MARK
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle grip controls engine
speed.
An index mark on the tiller arm
shows throttle position and is helpf ul
for setting the throttle correctly when
starting (p.).
39
FIX
THROTTLE
FRICTION
ADJUSTER
RELEASE
THROTTLE GRIP
The throttle friction adjuster adjusts
resistance to throttle grip rotation.
Turn the adjuster clockwise to
increase friction for holding a throttle
setting while cruising.
Turn the adjuster counterclockwise to
decrease friction for easy throttle grip
rotation.
R (reverse)
N (neutral)
F(forward)
The gearshift lever is used to select F
(forward), N (neutral), or R (reverse)
gears.
The engine can be started with the
gearshift lever in the N (neutral)
position only.
If the gearshift lever is in the F
(forward) or R (reverse) position, the
recoil starter will not operate, and the
electric starter button (applicable
models) will not operate the starter
motor.
Pull the starter grip to operate the
recoil starter for starting the engine
manually.
The engine will not start unless the
gearshift lever (p.) is in the N
1616
(neutral) position, and the clip is in
the engine stop switch or the
emergency stop switch.
CLIP
Press the starter button to operate the
electric starter for starting the engine.
The electric starter button can be
used to start the engine only when the
gearshift lever (p.) is in the N
(neutral) position, and the clip is in
the engine stop switch.
ELECTRIC STARTER
BUTTON
Steering Friction Lever
LLOOCCKK
STEERING FRICTION LEVER
The steering friction lever adjusts
steering resistance.
Less friction allows the outboard
motor to turn more easily. More
friction helps to hold steady course
while cruising or to prevent the
outboard motor from swinging while
trailering the boat.
FFRREEEE
17
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Power Tilt Switch (T type)Tilt Lever (G type)
(gas-assisted tilt type)
Press UP
to tilt the
motor up.
Press DN to tilt
the motor down.
POWER TILT SWITCH
The power tilt switch is a rocker
switch with UP and DN (down)
positions for changing the angle of
the outboard motor.
You can use the power tilt switch
anytime.
Trim the outboard motor to obtain
the best performance and stability
(p.).
52
Tilt the outboard motor for shallow
water operation, beaching, launching,
or mooring.
TTIILLTT
RRUUNN
((LLOOCCKK))
TILT LEVER
Moving the tilt lever to the TILT
position allows the outboard motor to
be tilted and moving the tilt lever to
the RUN (LOCK) position locks the
outboard motor in the desired
position. Use the tilt lever to
temporarily tilt the outboard motor
when the boat is operating in shallow
water, or mooring in shallow water.
The tilt lever must be in the RUN
(LOCK) position before operating
the outboard motor or the motor
could tilt up when operating in
reverse.
18
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
R Type (remote control)
For panel-mount or top-mount
remote control information, refer to
the instructions provided with the
remote control equipment.
Ignition Switch (side-mount
type)
OONN
OOFFFF
IGNITION
SWITCH
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH
SWITCH CLIP
The ignition switch controls the
ignition system and starter motor.
SSTTAARRTT
Turning the ignition switch key to the
START position operates the starter
motor. The key automatically returns
to the ON position when released
from the START position.
The ignition switch can be used to
operate the starter motor only when
the gearshift lever (p.) is in the N
16
(neutral) position, and the switch clip
is in the emergency stop switch.
Turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position stops the engine.
Switch Clip and Emergency Stop
Switch (side-mount type)
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
LANYARD
SWITCH CLIP
LANYARD
SWITCH CLIP
19
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
The switch clip must be inserted in
the emergency stop switch in order
for the engine to start and run. The
lanyard must be attached to the
operator’s PFD (Personal Flotation
Device) or worn around the wrist as
shown.
When used as described, the
emergency stop switch and lanyard
system stops the engine if the
operator falls away from the controls.
A spare switch clip is stored in a slot
in the control housing.
SPARE SWITCH CLIP
Fast Idle Lever
(side-mount type)
MAXIMUM FAST IDLE
The fast idle lever is used to set idle
speed during warm-up.
The lever will not move unless the
gearshift/throttle control lever is in
the N (neutral) position. Conversely,
the gearshift/throttle control lever
will not move unless the fast idle
lever is in the lowest position.
LOWEST POSITION
FAST IDLE LEVER
Leave the fast idle lever in the lowest
position to provide a rich f uel
mixture for starting a cold engine.
Lift the fast idle lever to warm up a
cold engine after starting and to start
a warm engine.
20
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Gearshift/Throttle Control
Lever (side-mount type)
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
NEUTRAL RELEASE LEVER
The control lever automatically locks
itself in the N (neutral) position. To
move the lever out of the N (neutral)
position, you must squeeze the
neutral release lever on the underside
of the lever handle.
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
N (neutral)
EENNGGIINNEE
SSPPEEEEDD
HIGH
The gearshift/throttle control lever
controls engine speed and selects F
(forward), N (neutral), or R (reverse)
gears.
Moving the control lever 30° from N
(neutral) selects the gear, and further
movement increases engine speed.
R (reverse)F(forward)
EENNGGIINNEE
SSPPEEEEDD
HIGH
A friction adjuster near the base of
the control lever adjusts the operating
resistance of the control lever (p.).
49
Less friction allows easier control
lever movement. More friction helps
to hold a steady throttle setting while
cruising.
The power tilt switch is located on
the control lever. It is a rocker switch
with UP and DN (down) positions
for changing the angle of the
outboard motor.
RIGHT STERN BRACKET
MANUAL
(Valve closed
to fix)
You can use the power tilt switch
anytime the ignition switch is ON,
whether the boat is underway or
Press DN to tilt
the motor down.
stopped.
Trim the outboard motor to obtain
POWER
(Valve open
to release)
the best performance and stability
※
※
MANUAL RELIEF VALVE
:
Do not turn this screw. If this
screw is turned hydraulic oil
will bleed out of the power tilt
POWER TILT SWITCH
(p.).51
Tilt the outboard motor for shallow
water operation, beaching, launching,
or mooring.
system. Should this happen it
will be necessary to consult your
authorized Honda Marine dealer
and have the system refilled.
The outboard motor can be tilted
manually after opening the manual
relief valve. This allows the outboard
motor to be tilted when no battery is
connected.
22
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Tilt Lock Lever
(G and T types)
FFRREEEE
TTIILLTT LLOOCCKK
LLEEVVEERR
LLOOCCKK
The tilt lock lever is used to support
the outboard motor in the fully-raised
position.
When the boat is to be moored for a
long time, tilt the outboard motor as
far as it will go. Then move the tilt
lock lever to the LOCK position, and
gently lower the outboard motor until
the lever contacts the stern bracket.
Common Controls
Engine Cover Latch
EENNGGIINNEE CCOOVVEERR LLAATTCCHH
The engine cover latch fastens the
engine cover to the outboard motor.
Transom Angle Adjusting Rod
The transom angle adjusting rod
limits the tilt angle of the outboard
motor when fully lowered.
(except G and T types)
ADJUSTING ROD
(G and T types)
ADJUSTING ROD
Proper adjustment prevents the
outboard motor from being trimmed
in too far (p.).
51
23
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Tilt Lever
(except G and T types)
TILT LEVER
TTIILLTT
RRUUNN
((LLOOCCKK))
The tilt lever enables the outboard
motor to be raised for shallow water
operation, beaching, launching, or
mooring.
To tilt, move the lever to the TILT
position, then raise the outboard
motor until the tilt mechanism
engages at 30°, 45°, 71° or 72°
(p.).
54
71° : Tiller handle S types.
72° : Tiller handle L, X types and
Remote control types.
INSTRUMENTS
Fuel Gauge
FUEL GAUGE
A fuel gauge is built into the cap of
the portable fuel tank.
Tachometer
(optional equipment)
(R Type)
TACHOMETER
The tachometer shows engine speed
in revolutions per minute.
Refer to the tachometer when using
the throttle and power tilt controls to
achieve the best performance from
the boat.
24
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
INDICATORS
Oil Pressure Indicator
(R type)
(GREEN)
(H type)
OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT
When the green light is lit, oil
pressure is OK.
If oil pressure becomes low, the
green light will go off, and the
engine protection system will limit
engine speed.
Remote controls are also equipped
with a buzzer that sounds when the
green light goes off.
The buzzing sound stops below an
engine speed of 1,400 rpm.
Low oil pressure indicates that the
engine oil level is low, or that there is
a problem with the engine lubrication
system.
Overheating Indicator
(R type)
(RED)
If the engine overheats, the red light
will come on, and the engine
protection system will limit engine
speed.
Remote controls are also equipped
with a buzzer that sounds when the
red light comes on.
Engine overheating may be the result
of clogged water intakes.
25
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Cooling System IndicatorOTHER FEATURES
Overrev Limiter
The engine is equipped with an
overrev limiter to prevent the
possibility of mechanical damage
from excessive engine speed.
The overrev limiter may be activated
during operation, limiting engine
speed, if the outboard motor is tilted
excessively, or when propeller
ventilation occurs during a sharp turn.
COOLING SYSTEM INDICATOR
Water should flow from the cooling
system indicator while the engine is
running. This shows that water is
circulating through the cooling
system.
If water stops flowing while the
engine is running, that indicates a
cooling system problem, such as
clogged water intakes, which will
cause engine overheating.
If the overrev limiter is activated,
check the trim angle of the outboard
motor.
Automatic Choke (models
equipped with electric starter)
The engine is equipped with an
automatic choke so that the choke
system operation is not needed when
starting the engine.
Anodes
ANODE
(G and T types only)
ANODES (each side)
The anodes are made of a sacrificial
material that helps to protect the
outboard motor from corrosion.
There are two anodes on the gear
case, one on the stern bracket.
26
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Portable Fuel TankFuel Cap Vent KnobFuel Priming Bulb
The portable fuel tank has a capacity
ofUS gal () and has a fuel
123.2
gauge built into the cap.
VENT KNOB
CLOSE
OOPPEENN
The cap is provided with a vent knob
to seal the portable fuel tank for
carrying it to and from the boat.
Open the vent knob 2 or 3 turns
before starting the engine (p.).
37
OUTLET END
(MOTOR)
PRIMING BULB
INLET END
(TANK)
A priming bulb is built into the fuel
hose that connects the fuel tank to the
outboard motor.
Before starting the engine, squeeze
the priming bulb until it feels firm.
This will ensure that fuel is supplied
to the engine (p.).
38
27
INSTALLATION
Correct and secure installation is
essential for safe boating and good
performance. Follow the installation
instructions provided in this manual.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Before installation, check to be sure
that the outboard motor does not
exceed the recommended maximum
horsepower for the boat on which it
is to be installed. Refer to the boat’s
certification plate for recommended
maximum horsepower. If the
certification plate information is not
available, contact the boat dealer or
manufacturer.
For most applications, the outboard
motor should have a horsepower
rating which provides 80% of the
maximum recommended horsepower
for the boat.
BOAT TRANSOM
REQUIREMENTS
Honda BF15D/BFP15D/BF20D and
BFP20D outboard motors can be
installed on a boat transom having a
thickness range of 1.32.2 inches
−
(3557 mm).
−
INSTALLATION POSITION
CENTER LINE
Install the outboard motor on the
center of the boat transom.
The antiventilation plate of the
outboard motor should be 02.0
−
inches below the bottom of the boat.
TTRRAANNSSOOMM HHEEIIGGHHTT
Type:
S:
L:
X:
Transom Height
17.0 in (433 mm)
22.2 in (563 mm)
27.7 in (703 mm)
050mm
−
(02.0 in)
−
28
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