Basic Maintenance Tips
There’s a lot you can do as an owner to keep your equipment in optimum condition. Periodic maintenance will increase the life of your marine engine, giving you trouble-free boating for years to come. To keep it on top form, always check against the service and maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.
Basic maintenance before use:
- Always check the oil level before you start.
- When your engine starts, always take a moment to listen for any unusual sounds; and check whether the cooling water is flowing out of the water check hole freely.
- Take a moment to check that all bolts and fastenings are tight and the engine is secured to the boat.
Basic maintenance after use:
- Always allow the engine to cool before carrying out any basic maintenance yourself.
- Always thoroughly rinse off, or flush out salt water with clean fresh water.
- If you're storing the engine for a long time, disconnect the battery and drain any fuel that's left in the tank. Refer to owners manual for more info.
- If your Honda is for commercial use, long hours of work may determine more frequent maintenance checks.
You’ll find the full maintenance schedule and service advice for your outboard engines in your owner’s manual.


Outboard Engine Checklists
Before each use:
- Check the engine oil level is correct
- Check the cowling is secured and latched
- Check the propeller and cotter pin are secure
- Check the anode metal for damage, looseness or excessive corrosion
- Check the fuel lines for kinking, collapsing or a loose connection
- Check the fuel level and refill if necessary
- Check the control lever/throttle moves smoothly
- Check the emergency stop switch
- Check the ignition switch for correct operation
- Check the stern bracket for damage
- Check the engine for oil or coolant leaks
- Check each operating part
- Check the engine's battery is charged and battery cables are securely connected.
- Check the cooling water hole and intake are free from obstructions or blockages
- Check the water separator
After each use:
- Check for leaks
- Check the cooling water intake and exit passages are clear and flush with clean water after each use as per the owners manual recommendation
Break-In Procedure
Break-in period: 10 Hours
Break-in operation allows the mating surfaces of the moving parts to wear evenly and thus ensures proper performance and longer outboard motor life.
Break-in your new outboard motor as follows:
First 15 Minutes:
Run the outboard at trolling speed. Use the Minimum amount of throttle opening necessary to operate the boat at a safe trolling speed.
Next 45 Minutes:
Run the outboard motor up to a maximum of 2,000 to 3,000rpm or 10% to 30% throttle opening.
Next 60 Minutes:
Run the outboard motor up to a maximum of 4,000 to 5,000 rpm or 50% to 80% throttle opening. Short bursts of full throttle are acceptable, but do not operate the outboard motor continuously at full throttle.
Next 8 Hours:
Avoid continuous full throttle operation (100% throttle opening). Do not run the outboard motor at full throttle for more than 5 minutes at a time.
For boats that plane easily, bring the boat up on plane then reduce the throttle opening to the specified break-in settings as above.

Any Questions? Contact your Local Honda Dealer