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.
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.
Best Wishes,
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
NOTICE
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 — on the outboard motor.
•Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol _ and one of three
signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
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.
•Safety Headings — such as
•Safety Section — such as
•Instructions — how to use this outboard motor correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it
carefully.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
.
2
CONTENTS
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY ..................................................................7
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .................................................7
INDEX .......................................................................................................89
QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION .......................... Inside back cover
6
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The Honda BF8A outboard motor is 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 the 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.
• Do not attempt to modify the outboard motor.
• Do not remove any labels, covers, or safety devices; they are installed for
your safety.
7
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
Refuel With Care
•Gasoline is extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can explode. Refuel
outdoors, in a well-ventilated 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.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide. Avoid inhalation of exhaust gas. Never run the engine in a closed garage or confined area.
8
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 marine dealer for a replacement.
READ OWNER'S MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATION.
WARNING
PLACE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL BEFORE STARTING.
DO NOT OPERATE WITH ENGINE COVER REMOVED.
BE SURE THE ANTIVENTILATION PLATE IS BELOW THE
WATER LINE.
DO NOT SHIFT TO REVERSE SUDDENLY AT HIGH
SPEED.
CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE STARTING.
FLUSH THE SYSTEM THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER
AFTER EACH USE IN SALT WATER.
EMERGENCY STARTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE ON TOP OF
ENGINE.
GASOLINE
GASOLINE
FLAMMABLE DANGER
FLAMMABLE DANGER
DANGER
HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
IF SWALLOWED, DO NOT INDUCE
VOMITING. CALL A PHYSICIAN
IMMEDIATELY.
9
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
COMPONENT AND CONTROL LOCATIONS
STARTER GRIP
CHOKE KNOB
TILLER HANDLE
ENGINE COVER
FUEL HOSE
CONNECTOR
(MALE)
GEAR OIL LEVEL
SCREW
GEAR OIL DRAIN
SCREW
FUEL GAUGE
FUEL FILLER
CAP
ENGINE COVER
LOCK LEVER
COOLING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ANODE
WATER INLET
SCREEN
VENT KNOB
FUEL TANK
10
PRIMING BULB
FUEL HOSE
FUEL HOSE
CONNECTOR
(FEMALE)
OIL FILLER CAP/
DIPSTICK
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
DC RECEPTACLE
GEARSHIFT LEVER
FUSE
SPARE SHEAR PINS
AND COTTER PINS
ENGINE STOP
SWITCH
THROTTLE
FRICTION KNOB
THROTTLE GRIP
EMERGENCY ENGINE
STOP SWITCH CLIP
TILT LEVER
EMERGENCY ENGINE
STOP SWITCH LANYARD
ENGINE OIL DRAIN
SCREW
ANTIVENTILATION
PLATE
EXHAUST PORT
CLAMP SCREW
STERN BRACKET
TRANSOM ANGLE
ADJUSTING ROD
11
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
CONTROLS
Engine Stop Switch and Switch Clip
ENGINE STOP
BUTTON
The engine stop switch has controls
for normal engine stopping and
emergency engine stopping.
In normal operation, press the engine stop button to stop the engine.
A switch clip and lanyard system
stops the engine automatically if the
ENGINE
STOP
SWITCH
LANYARD
SWITCH
CLIP
PUSH
operator falls away from the controls.
The switch clip must be inserted in the engine stop switch in order for the
engine to start and run. The other end of the lanyard attaches to the operator’s
wrist. If the operator falls away from the controls, the lanyard pulls the clip out
of the switch.
Always attach the lanyard to your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or your
wrist before operating the outboard motor.
A spare switch clip is supplied with the tool kit.
Choke knob
The choke knob opens and closes
the choke valve in the carburetor.
The ON position enriches the fuel
mixture for starting a cold engine.
The OFF position provides the
correct fuel mixture for operation
after starting, and for restarting a
warm engine.
12
CHOKE KNOB
OFF
ON
Throttle Grip
The throttle grip controls engine
speed.
An index mark on the tiller arm
indicates throttle position.
The gearshift mechanism limits
throttle grip movement when the
gearshift lever (p. 14) is in the R
(reverse) or N (neutral) position.
Throttle Friction Knob
The throttle friction knob adjusts
resistance to throttle grip rotation.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Turn the knob clockwise to increase
friction for holding a throttle setting
while cruising.
Turn the knob counterclockwise to
decrease friction for easy throttle
grip rotation.
13
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Gearshift Lever
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.
Starter Grip
Pulling the starter grip operates the
recoil starter to crank the engine for
starting.
R (Reverse)
GEARSHIFT
LEVER
N (Neutral)
F (Forward)
STARTER
GRIP
14
Steering Friction Bolt
The steering friction bolt adjusts
steering resistance.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
STEERING FRICTION BOLT
TO DECREASE
FRICTION
Turn the bolt clockwise to increase
friction for holding a steady course
while cruising or to prevent the outboard motor from swinging while
trailering the boat.
Turn the bolt counterclockwise to
reduce steering friction.
Tilt Lever
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° or 70° (p. 38).
TO INCREASE
FRICTION
To return the outboard motor to the
normal running position, move the
tilt lever to the RUN position, raise
the outboard motor slightly to disengage the tilt mechanism, then slowly
lower the engine.
TILT LEVER
15
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Transom Angle Adjusting Rod
The transom angle adjusting rod is
used to adjust the angle of the outboard motor in the normal operating
position (see page 21).
To adjust, first tilt the outboard motor, so it is not resting on the rod.
Push the rod in and turn the end of
the rod up, so the latch will fall in line
with the rod.
Remove the rod, and reinsert it in
the desired position.
Push the rod in and turn the end of
the rod down, so the latch will fall to
the locked position. Then release
the rod.
TO REMOVE
TO LOCK
TRANSOM ANGLE
ADJUSTING ROD
(UNLOCKED)
LATCH
(LOCKED)
Engine Cover Lock Lever
The engine cover lock lever fastens
the cover to the outboard motor.
To remove the cover, move the
lever to the unlocked position, then
lift off the cover.
To install the cover, position the
cover on the outboard motor, then
move the lever to the locked position.
16
ENGINE COVER LOCK LEVER
LOCKED
UNLOCKED
Fuel Priming Bulb
A priming bulb is built into the fuel
hose that connects the portable fuel
tank to the outboard motor.
Before operating the outboard motor, squeeze the priming bulb until it
feels firm. This will ensure that fuel
is supplied to the engine (see
page 28).
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
INLET END
(tank side)
VENT KNOB
OUTLET END
(motor side)
PRIMING
BULB
Close
Fuel Filler Cap Vent Knob
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 operating the outboard motor.
FEATURES
Fuel Gauge
A fuel gauge is built into the cap of
the portable fuel tank.
Oil Pressure Indicator
The oil pressure indicator should
remain lit while the engine is running.
The lit indicator shows that the oil
pressure is OK (see page 31).
Cooling System Indicator
FUEL GAUGE
Open
FUEL
FILLER
CAP
OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
Water should flow from the cooling
system indicator while the engine is
running. This shows that water is
circulating through the engine cooling system.
COOLING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
17
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Anode
The anode is made of a sacrificial
material that helps to protect the
outboard motor from corrosion.
18
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 boat applications, the outboard motor should have a horsepower
which provides 80% of the maximum recommended horsepower for the boat.
INSTALLATION POSITION
Install the outboard motor on the
center of the boat transom.
The antiventilation plate of the
outboard motor should be 0 – 2 in
(0 – 50 mm) below the bottom of the
boat. When the outboard motor is
mounted on a sailboat, the
antiventilation plate should be 6 in
(150 mm) or more below the surface
of the water. For unusual situations,
see your Honda marine dealer for
advice.
The correct dimensions differ
according to the type of boat and
the configuration of the bottom of
the boat. Follow the manufacture’s
recommended installation height.
Outboard Motor
TypeTransom Height
Short : S16.5 in (420 mm)
Long : L22.5 in (572 mm)
BOAT
TRANSOM
HEIGHT
0 – 2 in
(0 – 50 mm)
CENTER LINE
MOTOR
TRANSOM
HEIGHT
IDLE
PORT
6 in
(150 mm)
WATER
SURFACE
ANTIVENTILATION
PLATE
19
INSTALLATION
When the outboard motor is installed extremely low, the idle port may be
immersed and the engine may become hard to start or may run poorly.
Check that the idle port is high enough from the water level when the
engine is stopped with the boat fully loaded.
If the outboard motor is installed too low, the boat will squat and be hard
to plane, and the motor will spray water that may enter the boat. It will tend
to porpoise, and high-speed stability will be reduced.
Propeller ventilation will occur if the outboard motor is installed too high on the
boat transom.
Optimum installation height varies with boat type and bottom shape. Contact
the boat manufacturer for any spacial recommendations that are unique to a
specific model of boat.
If the transom needs to be modified to accommodate the outboard motor,
contact the boat manufacturer and follow their recommendations for corrective
action.
OUTBOARD MOTOR ATTACHMENT
Attach the stern bracket to the boat
transom by tightening the clamp
screws.
NOTICE
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. This will
prevent accidental loss of the motor.
•
The holes in the clamp screw
handles may be padlocked together
to prevent theft of the motor.
20
STERN BRACKET
SAFETY ROPE
CLAMP SCREWS
MOTOR ANGLE FOR CRUISING
Adjust the motor so the propeller
shaft is parallel with the water surface.
INSTALLATION
INCORRECT
CAUSES BOAT TO
“SQUAT”
INCORRECT
CAUSES BOAT TO
“PLOW”
MOTOR ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
If the propeller shaft is not parallel
with the water surface, adjust by
changing the transom angle adjusting rod position.
There are four adjusting stages.
1. Push in (A) the adjusting rod,
twist upwards (B) and pull out to
remove.
2. Insert the rod in the proper hole
and twist it down to lock.
GIVES MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
A
TO CHANGE
CORRECT
B
TRANSOM ANGLE
ADJUSTING ROD
UNLOCKED
POSITION
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the motor or
boat, make sure the transom angle
adjusting rod is locked.
TO LOCK
LOCKED POSITION
21
INSTALLATION
BATTERY
Battery Connections
Honda BF8A outboard motors produce a 12-volt, 5-ampere battery-charging
current. The motors come with a DC receptacle that needs to be connected
to a 12-volt battery. The battery-charging circuit is protected by a 5-ampere
fuse located in the engine compartment.
The outboard motor’s 12-volt output is designed to charge a “starting or
cruising” battery only. It is not intended to charge a “deep-cycle” type battery.
Lights and electrical accessories for the boat should be connected to the
battery.
WIRES TO BOAT LIGHTING AND
ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES
BATTERY CABLES FROM
OUTBOARD MOTOR
(OPERATOR PROVIDED)
12-VOLT BATTERY
The receptacle is provided with a rubber cap, which should be attached when
the plug is removed, in order to keep the receptacle clean and dry.
To prepare the outboard motor for
connection to a battery, pull the
plug out of its rubber boot, route
RUBBER CAP
DC RECEPTACLE
suitable electrical wires through the
boot, and screw them to the plug
positive (+) and negative (–) terminals. Coat the plug terminals with
dielectric grease, and reinstall the
PLUG
plug in the rubber boot.
22
INSTALLATION
Battery Installation
Place the battery in a corrosion-resistant battery box that is securely mounted
in a location away from the fuel tank and protected from contact with water.
+ WARNING
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte), which
is highly corrosive and poisonous.
Getting electrolyte in your eyes or on your skin can
cause serious burns.
Wear protective clothing and eye protection when
working near the battery.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Eyes — Flush with water from a cup or other container for at least 15 minutes
(water under pressure can damage the eye). Immediately call a physician,
local poison control center, or 911.
Skin — Remove contaminated clothing. Flush the skin with large quantities of
water. Call a physician immediately.
Swallowing — Drink water or milk. Call your local poison control center or a
physician immediately.
23
INSTALLATION
Connections to the Battery
Connect the positive (+) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal, then
connect the negative (–) battery cable to the negative (–) battery terminal.
The negative (–) battery cable should always be removed from the battery
when connecting or disconnecting the positive (+) battery cable, so tools
cannot cause a short circuit if they touch a grounded part while being used on
the positive (+) battery terminal fitting.
NOTICE
Be careful to avoid connecting the battery in reverse polarity, as this will
damage the battery-charging system in the outboard motor.
BLACK
RED
24
POSITIVE (+)
TERMINAL
NEGATIVE (–)
TERMINAL
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.
Familiarize yourself with the outboard motor and its operation before you get
underway. Know what to do in case of emergencies.
Familiarize yourself with all laws and regulations relating to boating and the
use of outboard motors.
Safety Apparel
Always wear a PFD while on the boat. Attach the emergency stop switch
lanyard securely to your PFD or your wrist.
IS YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR READY TO GO?
For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your equipment, it is very
important to take a few moments before you operate the outboard motor to
check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you find, or have your
servicing dealer correct it, before you operate the outboard motor.
+ WARNING
Improperly maintaining this outboard motor, or failing to correct a problem before operation, can
cause a malfunction in which you could be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always perform a preoperation inspection before
each operation, and correct any problem.
25
BEFORE OPERATION
Safety Inspection
•Look around for signs of oil or gasoline leaks. Make sure the fuel tank is in
good condition and properly secured in the boat (see page 27). Check that
the fuel hose is undamaged and properly connected (see page 28). 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.
•Replace any damaged parts.
•Check that all fasteners are in place and securely tightened.
Maintenance Inspection
•Check the engine oil level (see page 48). Running the engine with a low oil
level can cause engine damage.
•Check to be sure the propeller and shear pin are undamaged, and the
propeller cap is secured with a cotter pin (see page 58).
•Check that the anode is securely attached to the antiventilation plate
and is not excessively worn (see page 57). The anode helps to protect the outboard motor from corrosion.
•Make sure the tool kit and spare parts are on the boat (see page 42).
Replace any missing items.
•Check the fuel hose and the fuel level in the fuel tank (see page 44).
26
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
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BEFORE OPERATION
For your safety, avoid starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area,
such as a garage. Your engine’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or
death.
.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE
Proper break-in procedure allows the moving parts to wear in smoothly for best
performance and long service life.
For the first 10 hours, run the outboard motor at low speed, and avoid
prolonged fullthrottle operation.
on page 7 and the chapter titled
PORTABLE FUEL TANK PLACEMENT AND CONNECTIONS
Fuel Tank Placement
Place the portable fuel tank in a well-ventilated location, away from direct
sunlight.
+ WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and
explosive.
You can be burned or seriously
injured when handling fuel.
• Stop the engine and keep heat,
sparks and flame away.
• Handle fuel only outdoors.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
27
OPERATION
To ensure that the outboard motor
will be able to draw fuel from the
tank, place the tank within 6 feet of
the outboard motor and not more
than 3 feet below the fuel connector
on the outboard motor.
Secure the portable fuel tank in the
boat, so it won’t move around and
become damaged.
Before use, open the fuel tank vent
by turning the vent knob at least 2 or
3 turns counterclockwise.
Fuel Hose Connections
Connect the fuel hose to the tank
and the outboard motor, as shown.
Be sure both connectors snap securely into place.
FUEL
FILLER
CAP
Fuel Priming
Hold the priming bulb with the outlet
end higher than the inlet end.
Squeeze the priming bulb several
times, until it feels firm, indicating
that fuel has reached the carburetor.
Check to be sure there are no fuel
leaks before starting the engine.
Do not touch the priming bulb with
the engine running or when tilting
up the outboard motor. The
carburetor could overflow.
28
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