Honda BF40 hard start

[Arniem]

I have a new 2004 Honda Bf40 (40 horse)with remote. This is a 4 stroke 3 carb engine. In the cold only on the first start it is very hard starting. 5 or 6 times you have to crank it over to even get it to kick over once. There is gas to the engine so that is not the problem. I took it into the dealer and they said this is common for this engine. I don't believe it. This is a Honda.<br />Are they telling me there is no choke? Once it starts it is fine for the rest of the day. The cold start is the only problem. Anyone own one of these outboards?

 

[scotty c]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

whats your starting procedure?<br />1) turn key to on position<br />2) lift fast idlearm to highest position<br />(you should hear the electric choke solenoid click)<br />3)turn engine over<br /><br />should start relatively quickly<br />they don't like cold starts

 

[Arniem]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

I have tried this but never heard a choke click. Should I hear the choke solenoid click in before I try to turn it over? I wonder if they hooked up the remote correctly.

 

[scotty c]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

you should hear an audible "click" as the solenoid engages.<br />there should be a manual choke lever on<br />the front of the engine.<br />try pulling the manual choke all the way out<br />and try the start procedure.

 

[Arniem]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

This engine is the remote kind. All functions are controlled by the remote near the steering Wheel. There is no manual choke in front of the engine. There are no controls of any kind in front of the engine.

 

[scotty c]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

mine also has remote controls, however<br /> my bf50 has a small black knob on the bottom<br />left corner of the engine cover(looking at it from inside the boat)<br />this is the manual choke.<br /><br />it does not sound like you are getting any choke<br />when you are starting motor.<br />do you have an engine manual?

 

[Arniem]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

I looked and no choke knob on the engine. I guess on the newer ones 2004 they eleminated it. Too bad. So their new "auto choke" is a joke.<br />The engine will start but this is what I have to do. Lift the lever 1/2 way and turn it over 3 times. Then let the lever down and it will start. Seems barbaric to me. Give me something that works or give me a manual choke. <br />Thank you for your help Scotty. I don't know if there is anything I can do at this point.

 

[scotty c]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

you may want to get your dealer's shop<br />to do a check on that auto-choke, does not<br />sound like it's working properly.<br />good luck !

 

[bobneis]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

I have a 2005 BF40. Had the exact same problem. My local dealer called Honda tech support and they advised him to shim up the autostart enrichment valve 1-1.4mm. The motor starts great after that modification. This problem has affected many Honda outboards with autostart enrichment but Honda has chosen not to publicly acknowledge the problem.

 

[Arniem]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Thank you for that important info. After this adjustment is done by the dealer could you tell me what exactly is your start up proceedure.

 

[bobneis]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Starting Procedure after modification. Just leave everything on the remote in neutral and turn the key. Mine starts like a car. Kicks off immediately.

 

[Arniem]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Thank you so much for the help. The dealer repair guys are to lazy to call Honda. Basically they were telling me I don't know how to start my motor. I will be sure both Honda and the dealer know about this. If Honda sent a notice out to their repair shops they could have so easily made the adjustment when they installed the motor. Then they would have had a happy customer instead of an aggrevated one. <br /><br />Can I get my hands on a service manual for this engine?

 

[cp]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Click for Honda Service Manuals. Hope bobneis's solution works for you.

 

[gsp]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Has anyone had problems after the shim fix? Mine was fine a few times out in cold 40s.But the rest of last year it was very hard to start. 05 50 hp

 

[Bigguy]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

I recently purchased a boat with a 2001 Honda BF40 Remote controls. The choke works fine and the engine started easily.<br />Problem is that it will not Idle with the choke off. If I do the engine dies.<br />It seems that there needs an adjustment needed. Any ideas?<br /><br />Thanks in Advance,<br />Bigguy

 

[OBMD]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Honda has come out with a new by-starter valve for these motors. The valve does not extend as far into it's chamber. Contact your dealer and have him call the tech-line so they can send one out.

 

[gsp]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

Is this the shim kit?

 

[OBMD]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

No!! As mentioned in post, Honda has a new by-starter valve.

 

[gsp]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

OBMD My dealer called tech-line and they told him other than shim kit there is no fix.The last time I found out about the shim kit it took a long time before they admited they had it.The dealer did call the tech-line. Told me to try giving a little throtle.

 

[OBMD]

Re: Honda BF40 hard start

gsp Have your dealer call the techline and ask for Jeff. He is the marine dedicated tech rep.<br />Have the new bystart valve installed, pump your primer bulb, cycle your throttle a couple of times. Motor should start right up.