Honda Power Equipment BF15A User Manual

Includes Remote Control 

Supplement

Thank you for purchasing a Honda Outboard Motor. This manual covers operation and, maintenance of the Honda BF9.9A/15A

Outboard Motor. All information in this publication is based on the latest product information available at the time of approval for printing.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time

without notice and without incurring any obligation.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the Outboard Motor and should remain with it if it is resold.

Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:

A DANGER: tions .are not followed.

m Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION: Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage

if instructions are not followed.

indicates severe personal injury or death will result if instruc-

NOTE: Gives helpful information. If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the Outboard

Motor, consult an authorized Honda Outboard Motor dealer. Illustrations are mainly based on BF15A LAS type.

1 . SAFETY ..............................................................................

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

3. INSTALLATION

4. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

5. STARTING THE ENGINE

6. OPERATION

High altitude operation

7. STOPPING THE ENGINE

8. MAINTENANCE

9. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE

10. TROUBLESHOOTING

11. SPECIFICATIONS

12. WIRING DIAGRAM

13. OPTIONAL PARTS

14. WARRANTY SERVICE

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7 11 15 21

26 27 28 42 46 47 49 51

1. SAFETY

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS

Read all safety instructions before using the Outboard Motor.

STRTINO.

.DO NOT OPERATE WITH ENC-~- --. -- ~----..-

A CAU’. .-.w

T”

a”“,”

r’----

[WARNING

-\ \

FLAMMABLE

GASOLINE

HONDA

USE LOW LEAD OR REGULAR GASOLINE. (88PUMP OCTANE)

CAPACITY : 13 LITERS

SAFE FILLING LEVEL : 2Scm/linch BELOW BOTTOM OF NECK.

WARNINQ

-HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. IF SWALLOWED., DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. AVOID REPEATED OR PROLONGED CONTACT WITH SKIN OR BREATHING OF VAPOR.

-DO NOT USE OR STORE NEAR MEAT, SPARKS,. OR OPEN FLAME.

REMOVE FROM BOAT FOR FILLING

HONOA MOTOR CO.. LTD. TOKYO. JAPAP

DO NOT USE FUEL/OIL MIXTURE.

2.9 IMP.GALLONS

3.4~U.S.GALLONS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Honda Outboard motors are designed to give safe dependable service if operated according to instructions. Read-and understand the Owner’s Manual before operating the Outboard Motor. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.

To avoid severe personal injury or equipment damage, observe the following precautions:

Understand the operation of all controls, and know how to stop the engine quickly- READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY.

Do not exceed the boat manufacturer’s power recommendation, and be sure the outboard motor is properly mounted.

Never permit anyone to operate the outboard motor without proper instruction.

Stop the engine immediately if anyone falls overboard.

Do not run the motor while the boat is near anyone in the water.

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide which can cause unconsciousness and may lead to death. Never run the outboard in a closed garage or confined area.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions. Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks where the engine is iefueled or where

gasoline is stored.

Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling make sure that the fuel tank cap is closed properly and securely.

Be careful not to spill any fuel while refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled make sure that the area is dry before starting the engine.

Do not remove any guards, labels, shields, covers or safety devices;

they are installed for your safety.

2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

ENGINE COV;\ ~

WATER CHECK HOLE

ENGINE OIL DRAIN SCRE

ANTI-CAVITATION PLATE

FUEL GAUGE

,STARTER GRIP

LECTRIC STARTER (Electric

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

starter model only)

SHIFT LEVER

NGINE STOP BUTTON

AMP SCREW

TILT LEVER

* Always list the serial number

when ordering parts.

SPARE OIL CONTAINER

FUEL FILLER CAP

FUEL TANK

PRIMER BULB

TOOL KIT

‘FUEL LINE CONNECTOR

(FEMALE)

THROTTLE GRIP

OIL FILLER CAP

THROTTLE FRICTION KNOB

HANDLE

STERN BRACKET.

ADJUSTING ROD

GEAR OIL LEVEL BOL

WATER INTAKE

OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK

LOCK LEVER

ANODE METAL

EXHAUSTAND DRAINING PORT

GEAR OIL DRAIN

OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIG

CHOKE KNOB

BOLT’

FUEL LINE CONNECTOR (MALE)

3. INSTALLATION

It is your responsibility to choose a boat suitable for the engine (9.9

horsepower BF9.9A, 15 horsepower BF15A). mm

tion. Damage and injury may result.

Two shaft lengths are available for the BF9.9A/15A, either long or short, to

match the transom height of the boat.

1. Installation Position Install at the stern, at the center Me

of the boat.

2. Installation Height For proper propeller depth and engine

cooling, the boat’s transom height must match the motor’s shaft length. The short shaft motor requires a transom height of about 15 in. The long shaft motor requires a transom of about 20 in. Once the boat is in the water and loaded, check proper motor depth by looking at the anticavitation plate: with the motor not running, the plate should be about

100 mm (4 in.) below the surface of

the wear.

During operation, check to be sure the anti-cavitation plate remains under

water at all times and that water flows from the water check hole.

Excessive or imbalanced loading will affect the motor’s water depth.

Loading too far forward will raise the motor out of the water, reducing engine cooling. Loading too much or too far rearward will push the motor deeper, reducing performance.

Do not exceed the boat manufacturer’s power recommenda-

S!ERN CENTER

TER SURFACE

PLATE

CAUTION: Insufficient water supply (anti-cavitation plate out of the water) may cause overheating that will damage the outboard motor.

3. Motor Attachment

Attach the stern bracket to the transom and tighten the clamp screws.

CAUTION:

While operating the boat, check the tightness of the clamp screws occasionally.

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.

NOTE: To prevent the outboard motor from falling accidentally, you may further secure the stern bracket to the transom board with commercially available bolts, nuts and washers. After attaching the stern bracket to the transom board, be sure to apply sealant (THREEBOND 1216 or eouivalent) to the bolt holes. This modification should be made by your authorized Honda dealer.

STERN BRACKET

BOL

SAFETY ROPE

WASHER

WAS-HER TRANSOM BOARD

4. Motor, Angle (Cruising) Adjust the motor so the axis of the

propeller is parallel with the water surface.

CAUSES BOAT TO “SQUAT”

INCORRECT

CORRECT

GIVES MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

5. Motor Angle Adjustment

If the propeller axis is not parallel with

the water surface, adjust by chang-

ing the adjusting rod position. There are five adjusting stages.

1. Push in (A) the adjusting rod, twist

upwards (B) and pull out to remove.

2. Inserting the rod in the proper

hole, twist it down to lock.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the motor or boat, make sure the ad-

justing rod is locked.

CAUSES BOAT TO “PLOW”

TO CHANGE

INCORRECT

ADJUSTING ROD

UNLOCKED POSITION

. 0

3pf,

TO LOCK

LOCKED POSITION

6. Battery Connections (for electric starter) Use a 12V40AH battery. Place the battery in a corrosion-resistant battery

box and fix the battery box securely to the hull. Install the battery box in a location such that remains level while the boat is cruising and is not exposed to spray or direct sunlight.

Connecting the battery cord

1. Connect the cable with the red terminal cover to the (+I side of the battery.

2. Connect the cable with the black terminal cover to

the (-1 side of the

battery.

(+I TERMINAL

(-1 TERMIN

CAUTION:

Be sure to connect the (+) side battery cable first. When disconnecting

the cables, disconnect the (-) side first then the (+I side.

Unless the cables are properly connected to the terminals, the starter motor may fail to operate normally.

If you connect the (+) and (-) battery cables incorrectly or disconnect the cables while the engine is running, the charging system of the outboard motor will break down.

Do not place the fuel tank near the battery.

1. Engine Oil Level CAUTION:

Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. Nondetergent and low quality oils are not recommended, because they have inadequate lubricating properties.

Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage.

UsB Honda 4-stroke oil or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufac-

turer’s requirements for Service

Classification SF. Motor oils classified SF will show this designation on the container. Select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area.

SAE low-30 is recommended for

general, all-temperature use.

4. PRE-OPERATION CHECKS

-& -50 -io b lb ’ ’ 20

30 4O’C

1. Position the outboard motor vertically, and remove the engine cover by pushing down the engine cover lock lever.

2. Remove the oil level dipstick and wipe with a clean rag.

3. Reinsert the dipstick all the way in, then pull it out and read the level. If near or below the lower level mark, remove the oil filler cap and fill to the upper level mark with the recommended oil. Tighten the oil filler cap securely.

4. Install the engine cover and lock it securely by pulling up lock lever. OIL CAPACITY: 1.1 ! (1.2 US qt)

NGINE COVER LOCK LEVER

OIL FILLER CAP

2. Fuel Level Check the fuel gauge and refill the tank if.the fuel level is low. NOTE: Open the vent knob b’efore removing the fuel filler cap. When the

vent knob is firmly clbsed, the cap will be difficult to remove.

Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane number lR + M, of 86 or higher, or that has a research octane number of 91 or higher.* Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components.

Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank. Use of a lower octane gasoline

can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy “spark knock” (a metallic rapping

noise) which, if severe, can lead to engine damage.

CAUTION: If “spark knock” or “pinging” occurs at a steady engine speed

under normal load, change brands of gasoline. If spark knock or pinging

persists, consult your authorized Honda dealer. Failure to do so is con-

sidered misuse, and damage caused by misuse is not covered by Honda’s

Limited Warranty.

Occasionally you may experience light spark knock while operating under heavy loads. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is operating efficiently.

Fuel tank capacity: 13 P (3.4 US gal)

FUEL GAUGE

After refueling, be sure to tighten the fuel tank cap firmly.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.

Do not overfill the tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refueling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.

Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the

engine.

Avoid ‘repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.

--.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOL If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol (gasohol), be sure it’s oc-

tane rating is at least as high as that recommended by Honda. There are two types of “gasohol”:

one containing ethanol, and the other containing methanol. Do not use gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

NOTE:

Fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from the

use of fuels that contain alcohol is not covered under the warranty.

Honda cannot endorse the use pf fuels containing methanol since

evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete.

Before buying fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to find out the fuel contains alcohol, if it does, confirm the type and percentage of alcohol used. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms while using a gasoline that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to a gasoline that you know does not contain alcohol.

3. Other Checks Check the following items.

@ The propeller and cotter pin for damage or looseness. @The fuel hose for kinking, collapsing or a loose connection. @The steering handle for impaired operation. @The stern bracket for damage. @The tool kit for missing spare parts and tools. @The anode metal for damage, looseness or corrosion.

CAUTION: condition. It protects the rest of the outboard motor from rust and corrosion by attracting the electro-chemical reaction caused when metal is under water.

The anode mdtal must remain exposed (unpainted) and in good

5. STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Preparation Before Starting

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the outboard from overheating, never

run the engine with the propeller out of the water.

1. Connect the fuel line to the.tank and outboard motor, as shown. Be sure the connectors are securely latched.

vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the. area is dry before starting the engine.

NOTE:

Position the fuel tank so the tank fuel line connector is no more than 1 meter (3.3 ft) below the motor fuel line connector.

Do not place the fuel tank more than 2 meters (6.6 ft) away from the

motor.

Be sure that the fuel line is not kinked.

2. Open the fuel cap vent knob 2 to 3 turns.

3. Squeeze and release the primer bulb until it feels firm, indicating that fuel has reached the motor. Check for leaks.

Be careful not to spill any fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or fuel

MALE FUEL LINE CONNECTOR

-TO FUEL TANK

-TO MOTOR

CAUTION: Do not use the primer bulb while the engine is running or you may flood the engine by forcing too much fuel into the carburetor.

VENT KNOB

2. Starting

BMlm

can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation.

CAUTION: Damage to the water pump, engine components and exhaust system may occur if the motor is operated while the propeller is out of the water.

1. Put the shift lever in NEUTRAL.

2. Align the throttle grip START position with the mark on the steering handle.

Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure

NEYTRAL

3. If the engine is “cold”,

pull out the choke knob for starting and then

push it in gradually as the engine warm up.

CHOKE KNOB

4. Pull the starter rope slowly until a resistance is felt, th.en pull briskly.

CAUTION:

Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the engine. Return it

gently to prevent damage to the starter.

Do not pull the starter grip while the engine is running, as that may damage the starter.

5. Electric starter (Electric starter model only) Put the outboard motor in NEUTRAL, then press the electric starter and start the engine.

ECECTRIC STARTER

CAUTION:

Do not use the starter motor for more than 5 seconds. If the engine fails to start, release the key, and wait at least 10 seconds before operating the starter motor again;

Do not press the electric starter while the engine is running. This may damage the starting unit.

6. The oil pressure indicator light should be on while the engine is running. If the lightgoes off, stop the engine immediately, check the engine oil level and inspect engine for oil leaks.

OIL PREFSURE INDICATOR LIGHT

7. 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.

WATEd CHECK HOLE

3. ,Emergency Starting If the recoil starter is not working properly, the engine can be started with

the, spare starter rope in the tool kit.

1. Remove the engine cover.

2. Remove the recoil starter by removing the three 6 mm bolts.

3. Disconnect the neutral starter cable.

4. Wind the spare rope clockwise around the pulley to start the engine.

CAUTION: Keep clear of moving parts.

6MM BOLTS

I”- NEUTRAL

CABLE

5. Reinstall the engine cover.

CAUTION: Do not operate without the engine cover. Exposed moving parts could cause injury and \?rater

may damage the engine.

STARTER ROPE

6. OPERATION

For the first 10 hours of operation, run the outboard motor at low speed, and avoid abrupt operation of the throttle.

1. Gear Shifting

The gearshift lever has 3 positions: FORWARD, NEUTRAL, and REVERSE. An indicator at the base of the gear shift lever aligns with letters F, N, or R on the engine case to show the gear that has been selected. Turn the throttle grip to SHIFT to decrease engine speed before moving the gear shift lever.

CAUTION: When operating in reverse, proceed with caution to avoid hit-

ting any underwater obstruction with the propeller. NOTE: The throttle mechanism is designed to limit throttle opening in

REVERSE and NEUTRAL. The throttle can be opened to FAST only in FORWARD gear.

NEUTRAL

THROTTLE GRIP

FORWARD

REVERSE

2. Steering

To turn to the right, swing the steering handle to the left. To turn to the left, swing the handle to the right. Boats equipped with a remote control steering wheel are controlled in the same way as a car.

For smooth steering, adjust the steering friction bolt so that a slight drag is felt when turning.

STEERING FRICTION BOLT-

3. Cruising With the shift lever in the forward

position F, turn the throttle grip toward FAST to increase speed. For normal cruising,

open the throttle

about 3/4. To hold the throttle at a ‘steady set-

ting, turn the throttle friction knob clockwise. To free the throttle grip for manual speed control, turn the friction knob counterclockwise.

NOTE: This Outboard Motor is equipped with an over-rev limiter which prevents breakdown caused by excessive engine speed. If the engine speed becomes unstable when operating with the throttle grip near the “fully open” position, return the grip to the “low speed” position until the speed becomes stable.

CAUTION:

Do not operate without the engine cover. Exposed moving parts could cause injury; water may

damage the engine.

Confirm that the tilt lever is in the “RUN” position (page 24).

SH;\Fi LEVER

THROTTLE FRICTION KNOB

NOTE: For best performance, passengers and equipment should be distributed to balance the boat evenly from side to side and parallel to the water from front to back.

TO DECREASE FRICTION

+ 56 hidden pages

Honda Power Equipment BF15A User Manual

CONTENTS

SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS