Equipment & Gear > Power Equipment & RV
Honda BF15A Outboard Problems - FIXED!
pickardjw:
Having issues starting my 1997 Honda BF15A outboard. The trailer frame broke late July 2024 and I limped it to Wenatchee where it stayed until mid-March of this year. Did not do any winterizing (I know, shame on me). When we swapped the boat onto the new trailer in March it started and seemed to run like normal but died after several minutes.
Got around to messing with it yesterday and it's not turning over. Not a mechanic so I'm researching as I go. Here are the steps/observations so far:
1. Fresh gas
2. Oil change
3. Pulled carb and cleaned it. Could potentially need more extensive cleaning.
4. Spark plugs checked, appear to be in decent shape but ordered new anyway.
5. Fuel line bulb pressurizes before starting, then after attempting to start is less pressurized.
6. Fuel filter was changed 2 years ago, ordered another.
7. Engine only tries to turn over with a little starter fluid.
Should I go ahead and replace the fuel lines as well? They haven't been replaced for at least the 4 years I've had it. Not sure if there's an easy way to test that but I assume I could pull the intake to the carb and pressurize the bulb?
I'd like to fix it myself, but the motor hasn't seen a professional in who knows how long so if that's a better option anyone got a Honda tech in the south sound area they like?
Edit: kill switch was inserted, so that's not the culprit. Though I have made that dumb mistake before.
CP:
In your video it is turning over but it isnt firing. You need three things for an engine to run:
1. Fuel
2. Air
3. Spark
7. Engine only tries to turn over with a little starter fluid.
It fires with starter fluid?
Are the plugs firing? Check them by pulling the plugs, connect to its wire then turn the engine over while grounding the base of the plug to the engine. Sparking? Is the spark strong? Use rubber gloves when doing this, or :yike:
Fuel drain carb bowl(s) Is there fuel in them? Is it fresh? Do the bowls refill when you pump the bulb?
Air Is it sucking air into the carbs while turning over?
Once you narrow it down it will be easier to pinpoint the problem.
pickardjw:
--- Quote from: CP on June 02, 2025, 09:39:38 AM ---In your video it is turning over but it isnt firing. You need three things for an engine to run:
1. Fuel
2. Air
3. Spark
7. Engine only tries to turn over with a little starter fluid.
It fires with starter fluid?
Are the plugs firing? Check them by pulling the plugs, connect to its wire then turn the engine over while grounding the base of the plug to the engine. Sparking? Is the spark strong? Use rubber gloves when doing this, or :yike:
Fuel drain carb bowl(s) Is there fuel in them? Is it fresh? Do the bowls refill when you pump the bulb?
Air Is it sucking air into the carbs while turning over?
Once you narrow it down it will be easier to pinpoint the problem.
--- End quote ---
Correct, it only turned over with a short spray of starter fluid. Would not turnover without it. Fully choked. I primed with the bulb a few squeezes until the bulb was well pressurized but was nervous about flooding.
I'll test the spark plugs, new and old. And watch a video on how to do it safely, haha.
I pulled the carb to clean it before trying to start it. There was a small amount of fuel in the bowl but not much. I'll check it again since it's been primed since. Carb seemed very clean, no grime in there at all though I have noticed a drop in RPM.
How would you check for air intake to the carb?
I appreciate the help!
CP:
--- Quote from: pickardjw on June 02, 2025, 10:11:58 AM ---
How would you check for air intake to the carb?
--- End quote ---
Remove the plugs and air filter, cover the intake with your hand while cranking the engine. You should feel the air getting sucked in. Also, you can cover the plug holes with a clean rag while cranking. You should see the air pumping out and the rag should get wet if you do this long enough.
I assume that you don't have a pressure gauge but if you do, check the cylinder pressure.
CP:
Per Google:
Honda BF15A - compression test, 95psi on top 125 on the other
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