New BF225 leaking engine oil

[cggcpa1]

I took delivery of my new BF 225 last weekend. I went through the correct break in procedure, ect. I noticed an oil slick in the water when I was at anchor. I determined that engine oil was leaking into the motor cowling and seeping out where the upper and lower section meet. I trimmed up the engine and oil then started dripping out of the front of the motor cover. I checked the oil level and it was full. Called dealer on cell and was instructed to come back to marina, and periodicaly stop and check oil level. Each time I checked it was still full. I did determine that the oil was not leaking from oil filter area, the leak seemed to be low on the powerhead. I never found the location of leak. The motor has 15 hrs on it, and I made a deal to leave the boat at the marina / dealer until test runs and 20 hrs service was complete. I am not freaked out yet, but I would appreciate any ideas, comments or similar situations my I Boats buddies have experienced. I will update status of this situation as I know more....

 

[MIKENVAHBEACH]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

CGGCPA1,<br />Was the crankcase just overfilled?<br /><br />I have the same motor, its on a 22' Pursuit, I have about 150 hrs on it and I love it. No oil leaking, she starts everytime and really runs. <br /><br />I would love to know how you are propping yours. If I remember you have a Grady of similar size. After you get your engine oil problems fixed, I would love to compare engine notes, like what RPM your running with what prop, what your gallon per hour burn rate is, and also what speed your getting. Where are you running the Grady in Atlanta?

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

MIKE.. ITS SEEMS SOME ENGINE OIL WAS SPILLED IN THE COWL DURING INSTALL... I THINK IT WILL BE OK... I AM PROPING WITH A 14.5 X 17 PITCH MERCURY SS PROP.. AT WOT I GET 44 MPH AT 5500 RPM. BEST CRUISE IS 4000 RPM AND PUSHES BOAT 28 MPH. ITS TOO EARLY TO GET GOOD FUEL NUMBERS.. I AM NOW HAVING THE FIRST 20 HR SERVICE DONE. I DID A GOOD BIT OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH FOR THE REPOWER.. I SEND OUT ABOUT 25 BID REQUESTS FOR PROJECT WITHIN 300 MILES OF MY HOME BASE.. BEST DEAL ( PRICE AND KNOW HOW) WAS A PLACE ON GULF COAST SOUTH OF TALLAHASSSEE FLA. I MADE A DEAL TO LET THE MARINA STORE THE BOAT DURING THE BREAK IN PERIOD UNTIL THE FIRST SERVICE INTERVAL, AND TO GET BUGS WORKED OUT. I USE THE BOAT IN BOTH THE LAKES AROUND ATLANTA AND FREQUENT TRIPS TO FLA AND OTHER PLACES. I WILL BE GLAD TO COMPARE REAL PERFORMANCE NUMBERS WITH YOU.

 

[radsrh]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

If you are running 5500 at WOT you should come down in pitch, Honda should run in the 6000-6500 range and you would pick up your top speed.

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

WOT ON THE BF 225 IS FROM 5,000 TO 6,000 PER HONDA. THAT PUTS ME RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RANGE.

 

[MIKENVAHBEACH]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

cggcpa1,<br />Those numbers sound very close to mine. I'm propped with a Yamaha SS 14.5X15, I get 37 knots at WOT 5800rpm(5000-6000 is what my manual says too). I'm running alittle slower but I think I'm alittle heavier. Is your motor hung on a transom or on a bracket? I'm thinking of having my transom filled in and mounting my 225 and my 15 kicker on a bracket. Are you running trim tabs?<br />-Mike<br />p.s. If you are into fishing you should haul that thing to Hatteras or even up to my neck of the woods.

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

I DO HAVE TRIM TABS... MY BOAT ALSO HAS HARDTOP WHICH ADDS WEIGHT. I DO NOT HAVE MY MOTOR ON A BRACKET. MY INITAL GAS CALCULATION IS ABOUT 3 MPG.. BUT THAT INCLUDES THE LOW SPEEDS AT BREAK IN. THERE IS A DISTINCT SOUND CHANGE AT 4500 RPM WHEN THE V TECH AND INDUCTION VARIABLES CHANGE.. BUT THE MOTOR WANTS TO RUN AT 4K AT CRUISE. I DO PLAN TO DO SOME EAST COAST - MID ATLANTIC TOURING IN THE NEAR FUTURE. SO FAR I LOVE THE MOTOR NOW THAT MY OIL LEAK ISSUE IS UNFOUNDED.. JUST WAS OIL SPILLED WHEN IT WAS INSTALLED.

 

[DJ]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

cggcpa1,<br /><br />Please lose the ALL CAPS. That means you are shouting at us.

 

[radsrh]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Oh no, brain fart on the running RPM of Honda sorry

 

[MIKENVAHBEACH]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

I too have really noticed that V-TEC kicking in around 4500 rpm; it took some time to get used to that sound especailly when running in heavier seas. I switched from a Yamaha 2-stroke and when I first began winding that Honda up I thought it was gonna let loose, just a much different sounds when at high revs. Now that I am use to it, it sounds sweet. I'll keep in touch with updates.<br />-Mike

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Well after 70 hrs on the motor, it is still leaking engine oil. It is leaking at the rear center of the motor where the shaft and powerhead portions meet. After running for a few minutes at operating speeds, a noticable oil leak is visible running down the shaft. I have noticed no drop in oil level on dipstick. I am going to take to dealer asap...What could be causing this leak... ?

 

[hondon]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Honda service bulletin #40 will answer that ? It involves resealing the low oil sender deep in the valley between your cylinder banks.Repair takes at least three hours but likely more if the tech has not done this update before.Your dealer should be aware of this and can have the parts waiting for you so you can turn this around in a day.You are ok to run until you make arrangments with them.

 

[Alaskantech]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Hondon<br />Have you had to reseal one of these yet? So far, I've not had to. Looks like a pain to get at from the bulletin.

 

[hondon]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Ive done two and it is not as tedious as the bulletin reads but you are way up in there.Make sure if the time comes that you back all those intake mani screws out in stages just as you would putting them back on.That goes for the cover as well.The hardest part is getting to the work.

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: New BF225 leaking engine oil

Thanks hondon.. I will pass this knowledge on to my dealer. It sure makes me feel better knowing this is an established issue and not a major problem. I will update when work is finished.