BF40A/BF50AOwners Manual

2002 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. -All Rights Reserved31ZW460700X31-ZW4-6070

2eY11000.2002.04Printed in JapanN

31ZW460731ZW460731ZW4607PANTONE 288 CVC DIC F101 BLACK

The engine exhaust from thisproduct contains chemicalsknown to the State of California tocause cancer, birth defects, orother reproductive harm.

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at thetime of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, todiscontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and withoutincurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproducedwithout written permission.

Keep this owners manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This ownersmanual is considered a permanent part of the outboard motor and should remain withthe outboard motor if resold.

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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection ofa Honda outboard motor. We arecertain you will be pleased with yourpurchase of one of the finestoutboard motors on the market.

We want to help you get the bestresults from your new outboardmotor and to operate it safely. Thismanual contains the information onhow to do that; please read itcarefully.

As you read this manual you willfind information preceded by a

symbol. That informationis intended to help you avoid damageto your outboard motor, otherproperty, or the environment.

We suggest you read the warrantypolicy to fully understand itscoverage and your responsibilities ofownership. The warranty policy is aseparate document that should havebeen given to you by your dealer.

When your outboard motor needsscheduled maintenance, keep in mindthat your Honda marine dealer isspecially trained in servicing Hondaoutboard motors. Your Honda marinedealer is dedicated to yoursatisfaction and will be pleased toanswer your questions and concerns.

2002 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. AllRights Reserved

02/03/25 10:23:33 31ZW4600_002

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A FEW WORDS ABOUTSAFETY

INTRODUCTION

Safety Messages

Safety Headings

Safety Labels

Safety Section

Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.

OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY.

Your safety and the safety of othersare very important. And using thisoutboard motor safely is an importantresponsibility.

To help you make informeddecisions about safety, we haveprovided operating procedures andother information on labels and inthis manual. This information alertsyou to potential hazards that couldhurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical orpossible to warn you about all thehazards associated with operating ormaintaining an outboard motor. Youmust use your own good judgment.

You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

This entire book is filled with important safety information please read itcarefully.

preceded by a safety alert symbol and one ofthree signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

such as

on the outboard motor.

such as

how to use this outboard motor correctly and safely.

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLYHURT if you dont follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLYHURT if you dont follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you dont followinstructions.

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CONTENTS

...................................OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY . 7................IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION . 7

................................SAFETY LABEL LOCATIONS . 9

..................................CONTROLS AND FEATURES . 10CONTROL AND FEATURE

................................IDENTIFICATION CODES . 10....COMPONENT AND CONTROL LOCATIONS . 11

..............................................................CONTROLS . 14LH and LHT Types (tiller handle)

...........................................Electric Starter Button . 14....................Engine Stop Switch and Switch Clip . 14

..........................................................Choke Knob . 15

..........................................................Throttle Grip . 15..........................................Throttle Friction Knob . 16

.....................................................Gearshift Lever . 16LR, LRT and XRT Types (remote control)

........................Ignition Switch (side-mount type) . 16Switch Clip and Emergency Stop Switch

..............................................(side-mount type) . 17.........................Fast Idle Lever (side-mount type) . 18

Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever..............................................(side-mount type) . 18

...........Power Trim/Tilt Switch (side-mount type) . 20

Common Controls..................................................Power Tilt Switch . 20

.............................................Manual Choke Knob . 21...........Tilt Lever (gas assisted/LH and LR types) . 21

.............................................Manual Relief Valve . 22.....................................................Tilt Lock Lever . 22

...........................................Engine Cover Latches . 22.............................Transom Angle Adjusting Rod . 23

................................................................Trim Tab . 23.......................................................INSTRUMENTS . 24

.........................Trim Meter (optional equipment) . 24

.........................Tachometer (optional equipment) . 24

.........................Fuel Gauge (optional equipment) . 24...........................................................INDICATORS . 25

............................................Oil Pressure Indicator . 25...........................................Overheating Indicator . 26

.....................................Cooling System Indicator . 27

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CONTENTS

................................................OTHER FEATURES . 27.....................................................Overrev Limiter . 27

...................................................................Anodes . 27.............Portable Fuel Tank (optional equipment) . 28

..........Fuel Cap Vent Knob (optional equipment) . 28.................................................Fuel Priming Bulb . 29

................................................BEFORE OPERATION . 30.....ARE YOU READY TO GET UNDER WAY . 30

IS YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR................................................READY TO GO . 30

................................................................OPERATION . 32....................SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS . 32

.......................................BREAK-IN PROCEDURE . 32.....................TRANSOM ANGLE ADJUSTMENT . 33

....PORTABLE FUEL TANK (optional equipment) . 34................................FUEL HOSE CONNECTIONS . 34

.......................................................FUEL PRIMING . 35

......................................STARTING THE ENGINE . 35........................LH and LHT Types (tiller handle) . 35

..........LR, LRT and XRT Types (remote control) . 38.....................................EMERGENCY STARTING . 40

.......................................STOPPING THE ENGINE . 43................................Emergency Engine Stopping . 43

.......................................Normal Engine Stopping . 43GEARSHIFTING AND

..............................THROTTLE OPERATION . 45........................LH and LHT Types (tiller handle) . 45

..........LR, LRT and XRT Types (remote control) . 46...............................................................STEERING . 47

........................LH and LHT Types (tiller handle) . 47..........LR, LRT and XRT Types (remote control) . 47

................................................................CRUISING . 48......................SHALLOW WATER OPERATIONS . 50

...............MOORING, BEACHING, LAUNCHING . 52

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CONTENTS

..............SERVICING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR . 54...........THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE . 54

.....................................MAINTENANCE SAFETY . 55TOOL KIT AND EMERGENCY STARTER

..................................ROPE (optional equipment) . 56...............................MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . 57

....................................TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT . 59

....................................MANUAL RELIEF VALVE . 60ENGINE COVER REMOVAL AND

.............................................INSTALLATION . 60........................................Engine Oil Level Check . 61

................................................Engine Oil Change . 62..............................Engine Oil Recommendations . 64

.................................................Lubrication Points . 65................................................Spark Plug Service . 66

.............................................................REFUELING . 68...............................FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS . 69

.....Fuel Pump Filter Inspection and Replacement . 70Portable Fuel Tank and Filter Cleaning

.........................................(optional equipment) . 72..............................................Anode Replacement . 73

..........................................Propeller Replacement . 74

....................................................................STORAGE . 75...................................STORAGE PREPARATION . 75

..........................................Cleaning and Flushing . 75...............................................