Honda BF 30HP

[Slowthing]

Firstly "Hi". This is my first post on the forum. I'm from the UK and do most of my boating on the Solent.

I went to view a boat yesterday which I ended up making an offer on and leaving a deposit - but I've developed a niggling doubt about the engine. The vendor used muffs and a hose on the water intakes and water poured out around the lip of the muffs. The engine started fine and ran sweetly but the water still continued to come out all round the muffs - even when I squeezed the cups tight over the intakes. After a few mins water drippled out of the pee hole but only when I pushed the muffs up tight, when I let go the flow stopped. The owner ran the engine in total for about 5 mins. The engine didn't get too hot and the oil on the dip stick was just luke warm. Should I be concerned? Maybe I should fit a new impeller and seal kit after I get her home to be sure.

The engine is a 1998 Honda BF30HP - not sure how many hrs.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Honda BF 30HP

I wouldn't be concerned. A lot of engines with an awkward flusher fit will not pee with great strength. However, you should start off with a fresh water pump kit to be on the safe side.

 

[marquette]

Re: Honda BF 30HP

i have a 1998 BF30A. i think it is typical of Honda's good quality so unless the motor has been beat hard there is no reason to fear a used Honda. mine will clog up a the pee hole for some reason. if you can go back and the seller will run it for you again take a piece of wire (even a good heavy duty paper clip) and push the end up into the pee hole and make sure it is not plugged. if it is that should temporaily clean it out and it should shoot a solid stream at idle. or with the cowling off follow the water line back from the pee hole to where it pushes onto the fitting coming out of the block. if my memory serves me right when you are standing behind the motor the fitting will be on the top right. if you pull the hose off and start the motor it will throw water about 15ft. then you know that water is going up and through but blocked in the hose/pee hole. if it is a weak stream then you probably will need a water pump impeller. here i pay about $40 for a water pump kit and do it myself. the dealer gets about $150 parts and labor to change it.
i have had my BF30A for 3 seasons. i have had no problems with it. there are a couple of things i might consider though before i would buy another one. first it is not a popular size HP. props are easy to find for a 20hp or the 35hp. but the 25 & 30hp due to not being as popular have a much smaller selection. it has below average mid range acceleration. honda builds there motors with trim & tilt or without. you can't add it to a non T&T motor except with an aftermarket unit. on the positive side it is really quiet and it will troll really slow. those are the 2 reasons i bought it and i would buy another 30hp in a heartbeat for just those reasons. i have owned or own, Johnson, Evinrude, Yamaha and this Honda. i would consider the Honda the best built of all of them. there is a reason they get 25% more for their motors and it isn't just the name. they put the quality in to back up their price.

 

[guitarbo]

Re: Honda BF 30HP

Hello. I have a BF25A. There is a hole (port) right above the prop that needs to be taped up when using muffs. I had the same problem you are having until I took it to a Honda Dealer and he showed me the trick. Hope this helps..
Bo