This document is the Owner's Manual for the Honda Marine BF350A outboard motor, covering both US and Canadian models. It provides comprehensive information on the safe operation, maintenance, and technical specifications of the device.
Function Description
The Honda BF350A is a powerful 4-stroke OHC VTEC 8-cylinder (V8) outboard motor designed for marine applications. Its primary function is to propel boats, offering various modes of operation including forward, neutral, and reverse gears, adjustable throttle, and specialized control modes for different boating conditions.
Key operational features include:
- Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever: Used to shift between forward, neutral, and reverse, and to adjust engine speed. Available in Flush-Mount and Top-Mount types. A neutral release lever must be pulled to operate the control lever.
- Ignition Switch/Power Switch: Starts and stops the engine. For Honda Smart Key types, electric power is supplied only when the Smart Key is authenticated and paired.
- START/STOP Switch: Initiates or halts engine operation. For multiple outboard motors, an "ALL ENGINE START/STOP" switch allows simultaneous starting, while individual switches allow independent control.
- Emergency Stop Switch: A critical safety feature that stops the engine if the operator falls overboard. It requires a clip and lanyard to be securely attached to the operator. A spare clip is recommended for emergencies.
- Power Trim/Tilt Switch: Adjusts the outboard motor's angle for optimal performance, stability, shallow water operation, beaching, launching, or mooring. It can be operated whether the boat is underway or stopped.
- PTT Switch Panel: For multiple outboard motors, this panel allows simultaneous or individual adjustment of trim/tilt angles.
- Function Switches (Flush-Mount type): Includes "NT (WARM)" (Neutral/Warm-up), "ACT" (Active), "FAST IDLE," and "TROLL" switches.
- Fast Idle Mode: Accelerates engine warm-up, especially in temperatures below 41°F (5°C). The engine speed can be adjusted using the [-] switch and the gearshift/throttle control lever.
- Trolling Mode: Allows fine-tuning of engine speed (650–1,000 rpm in 50 rpm steps) for trolling. Activated by tilting the gearshift/throttle control lever from NEUTRAL to FORWARD or REVERSE by about 20° and pressing the [+] switch.
- Select Switches (Top-Mount type): Includes "CRUISE/UP," "TROLL/DN," "TRIM SPT.," "FAST IDLE," "ACTIVE," and "1 LEVER" switches.
- Active Mode: For multiple station types, selects the operating remote control.
- One-Lever Mode: For multiple outboard motors, allows shifting gear and adjusting engine speed for all motors with a single gearshift/throttle control lever.
- Cruise Control Mode: Maintains a constant engine speed or velocity during cruising. Speed/velocity can be adjusted using "CRUISE/UP" and "TROLL/DN" switches. Requires GPS for velocity adjustment.
- Trim Support Mode: Automatically adjusts trim operations based on speed or engine RPM. Conditions and patterns are set in the multi-function display.
- Manual Relief Valve: Allows manual tilting of the outboard motor when no battery is connected.
- Tilt Lock Lever: Supports the outboard motor in fully-raised positions (55° or 65°) for mooring, trailering, or maintenance.
- Operating Hour Notification System: Tracks engine operating hours and notifies the NMEA2000 network when periodic maintenance is due.
- Multi-function Display: Displays various indicators such as Alternator (ACG), Malfunction, Oil Pressure Warning, Overheat, and Cooling System. Also used for setting trim angle patterns and cruise control adjustments.
- NMEA Interface Coupler: Connects the outboard motor to the boat's NMEA2000® network to transmit engine information and warnings.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: BF350A
- Engine Type: 4-stroke OHC VTEC 8-cylinder (V8)
- Displacement: 302.1 cu-in (4,952 cm³)
- Rated Power: 260.9 kW (350 HP)
- Full Throttle Range: 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
- Transom Height (when transom angle at 12°): 25.1 in (638 mm) or 30.1 in (765 mm)
- Dry Mass (weight): 783 lbs (355 kg) or 794 lbs (360 kg) (without battery cable, with propeller)
- Oil Capacity:
- Engine: 10.8 US qt (10.2 L) without oil filter change; 11.0 US qt (10.4 L) with oil filter change
- Gear case: 1.82 US qt (1.72 L)
- Recommended Engine Oil: API standard (SG, SH, SJ, SL) SAE/FC-W 10W-30
- Recommended Gear Case Oil: API standard (GL-4) SAE 90 Hypoid gear oil
- Spark Plugs: ILZKAR7S11E (NGK) (Standard Iridium), LZKAR7F11E (NGK) (Optional Nickel)
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.039 – 0.043 in (1.0 – 1.1 mm)
- Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (86 pump octane or higher)
- CARB Star Label: ULTRA · LOW EMISSION
- D.C. Output: 12V – 70A
- Cooling System: Water cooling with thermostat
- Exhaust System: Water exhaust
- Steering Angle: 30° right and left
- Tilt Angle (transom angle at 12°): Stageless (68°)
- Trim Angle (transom angle at 12°): – 4° to 15°
Usage Features
- Operator Responsibility: Emphasizes the operator's role in safety, including knowing how to stop the engine, attaching the emergency stop switch lanyard, wearing a PFD, and adhering to boating laws.
- Refuel With Care: Instructions for safe refueling, highlighting gasoline's flammability and the importance of outdoor, well-ventilated areas.
- Carbon Monoxide Hazard: Warns against running the engine in enclosed or partially enclosed areas due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Break-in Procedure: A 10-hour break-in period is recommended for optimal performance and longevity, with specific instructions for the first 15 minutes, next 45 minutes, next 60 minutes, and subsequent 8 hours to ensure proper wear-in of moving parts.
- Fuel Priming Bulb: Built into the fuel hose, it ensures fuel supply to the engine before starting.
- Infrequent or Occasional Use: Advises consulting the STORAGE chapter for fuel deterioration information if the motor is used intermittently.
- Cruising: Recommends limiting throttle opening to 80% for best fuel economy and adjusting trim for stability in various water conditions. Warns against excessive trim/tilt angles to prevent propeller ventilation, overheating, and water pump damage.
- Shallow Water Operation: Instructions for tilting the outboard motor to prevent propeller and gear case damage in shallow water, while ensuring water intakes remain submerged.
- Mooring, Beaching, Launching: Guidelines for tilting the outboard motor up using tilt lock levers when mooring or for maintenance.
Maintenance Features
- Maintenance Schedule: A detailed table outlines required maintenance tasks and intervals (e.g., every 20, 100, 200, 400, or 1,200 hours, or corresponding months/years).
- Engine Oil Level Check: Regular checks are crucial to prevent engine damage from low or overfilled oil. Instructions include removing the engine cover, checking the dipstick, and adding recommended oil if necessary.
- Engine Oil Change: Procedure for draining and refilling engine oil, including tightening torque specifications for the drain bolt. Emphasizes proper disposal of used oil.
- Lubrication Points: Identifies various points on the outboard motor (e.g., tilt shaft, swivel shaft, propeller shaft, engine cover lock plates, PTT thrust receiver, tilt bracket) where Honda Marine waterproof grease should be applied.
- Spark Plug Service: Instructions for inspecting, removing, and installing spark plugs. Specific guidelines for iridium spark plugs, including not cleaning them and using a wire-type feeler gauge for gap checks.
- Refueling and Fuel Recommendations: Advises using unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Warns against stale, contaminated, or mixed fuel, and explains the risks of ethanol/methanol content. Recommends Honda Marine Fuel Stabilizer for storage.
- Fuel Filter with Water Separator Inspection and Replacement: Procedure for inspecting and replacing the fuel filter to prevent power loss or hard starting due to water or sediment accumulation.
- Anode Inspection: Instructions for checking and replacing sacrificial anodes on the gear case and stern bracket to protect against corrosion.
- Water Screen Removal/Installation: Procedure for removing and installing water screens to clear clogs from waterweed or mud.
- Propeller Replacement: Detailed steps for safely removing and installing the propeller, including wearing heavy gloves and applying marine grade grease to the shaft.
- Cleaning and Flushing: Instructions for cleaning the exterior of the outboard motor and flushing the cooling system with fresh water after each use, especially in salt or dirty water.
- Storage Procedure: Comprehensive steps for preparing the outboard motor for storage, including draining the fuel system, adding fuel stabilizer, changing engine oil, and coating cylinders with oil.
- Removal From Storage: Instructions for preparing the outboard motor for use after storage.
- Troubleshooting: Provides tables for unexpected problems such as electric starter not operating, engine not starting, hard starting or stalling, engine overheating, and water separator buzzer sounds, along with possible causes and corrections.
- Fuse Replacement: Instructions for checking and replacing various fuses (7.5 A, 15 A, 30 A, 40 A, 200 A ACG fuse) to address electrical issues.
- Emergency Gear Shifting: Manual procedure for shifting gears in an emergency if the electronic system fails.
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