just bought one of these. It hasn't arrived yet but I wanted to get ahead of the game on maintenance, trouble shooting etc... thanks for the videos, advice and tips. subscribed.
I've got one of these I've been running it for 2 years and it is a Charmed motor. Works perfect as long as there's gas and oil in it. When you tilt it up always keep the throttle handle on top of the motor and shut off the gas at the cap and the switch in the back. It starts every day five times a day and goes a half mile 365 days a year. I've never changed the spark plug and only change the oil once or twice. Now I feel guilty I'm going to have to give it some oil . It's a Wonderful motor I highly recommend it they cost about $600 but they are noisier than most
I've owned one for 6 months. It's has had several carb cleans but still is never reliable. I thoroughly recommend that viewers look at a different make.
My gas cap vent clogged up after a year of use. I didn't want to buy a whole new gas cap, so I found if I put the vent switch half-way between open and closed, the vent would remain open. Been doing it that way now for a few years with no problems.
In the market for one and would have bought the Honda, until I tried a Suzuki 2.5hp. Same weight, yet liquid cooled. Waaaay quieter than the Honda, more powerful, tighter tolerances, longer range, every bit as reliable and $999.00CA instead of $1,339.00, makes the decision a no-brainer.
Good review, I noticed on my BF2 that the oil level - initially at full level, will show empty during uses. And only showing full when stored for a day or so. Is this normal?
Yes that is normal . When it’s running the oil is being sloshed around inside so it will appear low . Once the engine shuts off it should show full in the window after about 10 seconds. And remember the oil is full when the oil shows half way in the sight glass .
3:41 should this be drained after each use? Let’s say I filled it up and there’s still fuel in there after a few hours on the lake, and don’t plan on using for a week or so. Also, is it ok or even recommended to use any fuel additives/cleaner?
@@johnbyrley3925 That was my assumption. Thanks for confirmation. Another question: when breaking in, the manual says for the first 10 hours, run on low and avoid full throttle. That’s a little vague. Is it ok to go half throttle as long as I avoid full throttle? Or are they suggesting I keep it in the first “bar” where the symbol of the turtle is? I think that symbol is even below the start marker on the throttle.
I know Honda doesn't recommend it but since it's air cooled can it be tested out of water? I've seen a lot of videos reviewing it that do and if I got an outboard and it broke I'd like to be able to test it while working on it instead of going in the water every time.
All the major manufacturers make 4 stroke outboards which don't require "Mixed Gas". The major difference with the Honda is it's air cooled. A little simpler but MUCH louder. Theoretically lighter, but that's not the case. The Suzuki is only a few ounces heavier even though it's water cooled and comes with a proper neutral/forward instead of a wear prone centrifugal clutch. You can't rev a Honda in neutral like you can just about every other outboard in the world. Annoyingly loud.
Probably will spill and/or go into the motor This is a good time for an oil change. Dump the oil first like the video explains then dump the old/water-contaminated fuel after that. Don't forget to fill the oil again and put new fuel in.
Another option if you only have a little fuel left in the tank, crack open the 10 mm bolt on the bottom of the carb floatbowl and let it dribble out. That is better than using the flathead screwdriver drain jet because it gets all the fuel out, otherwise a quarter inch remains in the bottom of the floatbowl.
Just bought mine today 1100$. 12/12/23. Still had fuel in it. Last one left. ? A demo. Layed it down correctly with air vent closed petrol leaked. Also didn't know made in China
It's hard on the prop shaft oil seal. It needs water on it on the outside half of the seal to keep it cool and lubed when the shaft is spinning. A few seconds to test isn't too bad but you don't want to have to pull and replace that seal as it is sort of a pain to do. If it fails water can seep into the lower unit oil and contaminate it. Then the gears in there go bad pretty fast and that gets even more expensive to fix.
I just bought a Honda 2.3, but was disappointed after some use, it is hard to start. Sometimes in the middle of big lake, give me hard time. I am trying figure out what is the problem. It is much easier to start my lawnmower engine which was not Honda.
I figured out that I have to increase the RPM's (put the gas lever into middle position), then it fires up, and I quickly reduce the RPM. Had the same issues as you before...
@@WallyKnorr Half throttle means you're starting it in gear. You wouldn't have that problem with ANY other outboard because Honda is the only one with a centrifugal (scooter) clutch. Buy a Suzuki.
I had a Honda 8 Four Stroke that was beautifully quiet.... but it was becoming too much of a chore as it's so heavy, plus it requires a can of fuel. So I looked around for a small outboard, preferably the kind where you don't have to mix the gas. (My Dad had a small Mercury that required that). Instead I chose a Suzuki 4-Stroke 2.5 hp. Here's one in action... czcams.com/video/tvMvvfXUffk/video.html
What do you mean"better"? It's louder, has no neutral, isn't as efficient and makes less horsepower, so no, not better. The only advantage over the Yamaha is weight.
@@norcaloutdoor5462 I had a 4hp Yamaha for a while. Reliable but heavy, loud and vibrated excessively. Replaced it with a Suzuki which has been great. I wouldn't buy either the Honda or Yamaha again.
Lots of short reviews of this motor and I have seen many and found this the best short review. So thanks
just bought one of these. It hasn't arrived yet but I wanted to get ahead of the game on maintenance, trouble shooting etc... thanks for the videos, advice and tips. subscribed.
Awesome video. Thank you for posting this.
Cheers ears this was helpful.
I've got one of these I've been running it for 2 years and it is a Charmed motor. Works perfect as long as there's gas and oil in it. When you tilt it up always keep the throttle handle on top of the motor and shut off the gas at the cap and the switch in the back. It starts every day five times a day and goes a half mile 365 days a year. I've never changed the spark plug and only change the oil once or twice. Now I feel guilty I'm going to have to give it some oil . It's a Wonderful motor I highly recommend it they cost about $600 but they are noisier than most
Very good review...
Nice review. Subbed.
I've owned one for 6 months. It's has had several carb cleans but still is never reliable. I thoroughly recommend that viewers look at a different make.
My gas cap vent clogged up after a year of use. I didn't want to buy a whole new gas cap, so I found if I put the vent switch half-way between open and closed, the vent would remain open. Been doing it that way now for a few years with no problems.
Hello Jonh are you sure the gas switch on between open and close
In the market for one and would have bought the Honda, until I tried a Suzuki 2.5hp. Same weight, yet liquid cooled. Waaaay quieter than the Honda, more powerful, tighter tolerances, longer range, every bit as reliable and $999.00CA instead of $1,339.00, makes the decision a no-brainer.
I'm having 1 of these but no 1 says about how you put fuel in enny 1 now please
What's the diff between 2.0 and 2.3? Bore, stroke or bigger carb. Can you convert a 2.0 to a 2.3??
Hi, I don't see the water mark on the shaft. how deep is too deep for the shaft?
Good review, I noticed on my BF2 that the oil level - initially at full level, will show empty during uses. And only showing full when stored for a day or so. Is this normal?
Yes that is normal . When it’s running the oil is being sloshed around inside so it will appear low . Once the engine shuts off it should show full in the window after about 10 seconds. And remember the oil is full when the oil shows half way in the sight glass .
3:41 should this be drained after each use? Let’s say I filled it up and there’s still fuel in there after a few hours on the lake, and don’t plan on using for a week or so. Also, is it ok or even recommended to use any fuel additives/cleaner?
Not necessary for just a few weeks. Definitely always use fuel stabilizer. These motors are very finicky about moisture in the fuel.
@@johnbyrley3925 That was my assumption. Thanks for confirmation. Another question: when breaking in, the manual says for the first 10 hours, run on low and avoid full throttle. That’s a little vague. Is it ok to go half throttle as long as I avoid full throttle? Or are they suggesting I keep it in the first “bar” where the symbol of the turtle is? I think that symbol is even below the start marker on the throttle.
@@Mister_Y probably to late now but I would heat cycle it a few times at various rpms and throttle ranges.
Do the motors come with oil in the motor and the lower end gear case when u first buy them?
That would make it illegal to ship the units as it is petroleum.
I know Honda doesn't recommend it but since it's air cooled can it be tested out of water? I've seen a lot of videos reviewing it that do and if I got an outboard and it broke I'd like to be able to test it while working on it instead of going in the water every time.
Air-cooled yes
No as it still has gills cos the gear box at the prop is water cooled. Mind you it's if you are lucky enough to get one started.
I'm interested in one of these because I've heard it doesn't require Mixed Gas. Is this true?
Yes, you are correct. no pre-mix for fuel. its a 4 stroke engine. just add gas but dont forget the engine oil just like a car.
All the major manufacturers make 4 stroke outboards which don't require "Mixed Gas". The major difference with the Honda is it's air cooled. A little simpler but MUCH louder. Theoretically lighter, but that's not the case. The Suzuki is only a few ounces heavier even though it's water cooled and comes with a proper neutral/forward instead of a wear prone centrifugal clutch. You can't rev a Honda in neutral like you can just about every other outboard in the world. Annoyingly loud.
What's the best way to drain the fuel tank? If I turned the motor upside down to drain the fuel, would oil spill all over the place?
Probably will spill and/or go into the motor This is a good time for an oil change. Dump the oil first like the video explains then dump the old/water-contaminated fuel after that. Don't forget to fill the oil again and put new fuel in.
Another option if you only have a little fuel left in the tank, crack open the 10 mm bolt on the bottom of the carb floatbowl and let it dribble out. That is better than using the flathead screwdriver drain jet because it gets all the fuel out, otherwise a quarter inch remains in the bottom of the floatbowl.
Just bought mine today 1100$. 12/12/23. Still had fuel in it. Last one left. ? A demo. Layed it down correctly with air vent closed petrol leaked. Also didn't know made in China
Thanks for the info, would it hurt to run premium fuel in this motor, that's what I have in my gas cans so I would just use what I have.
Phatt Daddy - I always have, even when I was breaking it in. Runs great with premium!
Always run small engines on high test or supreme.
Probably doesn't make any difference. However in New York State, very often premium has no ethanol in it, and that would be a benefit.
Use the grade of fuel recommended by the manufacturer. No advantage to premium gas if the engine isn't designed for it.
Since it's air cooked can we run it outside a bucket of water???
no
It's hard on the prop shaft oil seal. It needs water on it on the outside half of the seal to keep it cool and lubed when the shaft is spinning. A few seconds to test isn't too bad but you don't want to have to pull and replace that seal as it is sort of a pain to do. If it fails water can seep into the lower unit oil and contaminate it. Then the gears in there go bad pretty fast and that gets even more expensive to fix.
@@svbarryduckworth628 wow good to know. Thanks for the response
I just bought a Honda 2.3, but was disappointed after some use, it is hard to start. Sometimes in the middle of big lake, give me hard time. I am trying figure out what is the problem. It is much easier to start my lawnmower engine which was not Honda.
I figured out that I have to increase the RPM's (put the gas lever into middle position), then it fires up, and I quickly reduce the RPM. Had the same issues as you before...
@@WallyKnorr Half throttle means you're starting it in gear. You wouldn't have that problem with ANY other outboard because Honda is the only one with a centrifugal (scooter) clutch. Buy a Suzuki.
I had a Honda 8 Four Stroke that was beautifully quiet.... but it was becoming too much of a chore as it's so heavy, plus it requires a can of fuel. So I looked around for a small outboard, preferably the kind where you don't have to mix the gas. (My Dad had a small Mercury that required that). Instead I chose a Suzuki 4-Stroke 2.5 hp. Here's one in action... czcams.com/video/tvMvvfXUffk/video.html
exhaust ?
Exhaust is near the propeller
Wish I could get the idle adjusted properly so it doesn't start in gear , This review doesn't mention how...
Just bought one for 250 cash thanks
Man it's hard to hear him talk. Gotta be from Cali, like totally man.
l
Honda better than yamaha
? i thought yamaha better? people say this engine is crap because its china made
@@ZampostOk Made in China but engineered by Honda in Japan.
What do you mean"better"? It's louder, has no neutral, isn't as efficient and makes less horsepower, so no, not better. The only advantage over the Yamaha is weight.
@@UguysRnuts I have 4 stroke Yamaha. I was not able to start and run at cold weather. I will not buy it again, of course.
@@norcaloutdoor5462 I had a 4hp Yamaha for a while. Reliable but heavy, loud and vibrated excessively. Replaced it with a Suzuki which has been great. I wouldn't buy either the Honda or Yamaha again.