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Honda introduced the first 4-stroke
outboard engine in
After all, Honda hasn't become the largest engine manufacturer in the world,
without a passion for perfection. That passion has allowed us to to achieve a
legendary reputation for quality and performance.
Honda also supports cutting edge research that is continually yielding more
firsts in robotics, hydrogen fuel cells, racing technology and new types of
lightweight jet engines. Is it any wonder that Honda outboards are so
technologically advanced?
Rather than take our word, just ask J.D.Power & Associates or the National
Marine Manufacturers Association, both of whom awarded Honda Best in Customer
Satisfaction awards for the last three years in a row.
When choosing a power source for your boat, Honda outboard engines deliver the
power, fuel efficiency and reliability that will enhance your boating
experience for many years to come.
Check out Honda Outboard's Features!
What kind of fuel should I use in my Honda Marine engine?
Honda engines are designed and certified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Gasoline is allowed, by regulation, to contain a variety of additives. The same
regulation limits how much of some additives, such as alcohol, can be included
in the fuel and still be sold as gasoline. If you look in a Honda product owner’s manual, you will see that a maximum
of 10% ethanol is allowed in gasoline (other oxygenates are also listed). Honda
engines are designed for good performance and efficient operation using
gasoline containing from 0 to 10% ethanol.
E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, has been in the news recently.
E85 is an alternative fuel; it is not gasoline. Honda Marine engines are not
currently designed or certified to run on E85 or any other alternative fuel.
Always refer to your Honda owner’s manual for a list of recommended fuel
and the current approved additives.
How long can I leave gas in the tank?
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor
without causing functional problems will vary depending on a variety of
factors.
- Fuel formulations vary by region. Depending on the region where you operate your outboard, fuel may deteriorate and oxidize more rapidly (in as little as 15 days). Please check with your servicing dealer for storage recommendations and precautions specific to your region.
Other factors include:
- The air volume in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deterioration.
- Very warm storage, high humidity and variable temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration.
- Fuel deterioration problems may occur in less than 30 days if the gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank. Purchasing fuel from a busy, reputable gas station is recommended.
Instructions regarding the maintenance and storage of your specific outboard
model are contained in the STORAGE section of your Honda owner's manual. This section covers all aspects
of storage such as adding fuel stabilizer and draining the fuel tank and
carburetor, as well as storage precautions and removal from storage.
What kind of problems can occur from old gas?
In storage, gasoline immediately starts to oxidize and deteriorate. The older
it gets the more it deteriorates and the more likely it will cause hard
starting, performance issues and gum deposits that clog the fuel system.
If the gasoline in your fuel tank and carburetor has significantly deteriorated
during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system
components serviced or replaced.
Are gas-related issues covered under warranty?
The Distributor's Limited Warranty does not
cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from
deteriorated fuel.
Can I use E85 in my Honda Marine Engine?
E85 contains 85% ethanol and must not be used in Honda Marine outboards.
Using fuels with percentages of ethanol or methanol higher than 10% may cause
starting and/or performance problems. Such use may also damage metal, rubber,
and plastic fuel system components.
Using a fuel with percentages of ethanol or methanol greater than 10% may cause
engine damage or performance problems that are not covered under the Distributor’s Limited Warranty.
How can I tell how much ethanol is in my fuel?
A gasoline/alcohol tester, tool number 07APJ-001A200, is available to determine
the percentage of ethanol in a fuel sample. The tester can be ordered from
American Honda Parts Department through your local Honda
Marine dealer.
Other interesting facts about ethanol
- Ethanol is produced from corn, soybeans, sugar cane, or other organic material. It is blended with gasoline (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) to produce E10.
- Ethanol has 28% less energy density than gasoline, so it reduces fuel efficiency.
- Ethanol is an excellent solvent, drying agent and cleanser. It will clean or dissolve some parts of, and deposits in, fuel storage and fuel delivery systems, including some fuel tank materials. The dissolved material can clog filters or pass through and leave deposits on fuel injectors, fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators, carburetor jets, intake tracts, valves, and valve guides.
- Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means it attracts and retains water. The lower the fuel level in the tank, the more likely you will experience water contamination. If the contamination is severe, a layer of alcohol/water can form at the bottom of the fuel tank. This is called phase separation, and can cause damage to the fuel tank and engine.
To help prevent water contamination problems when using a gasoline/ethanol mix:
- Keep your fuel tank as full as possible with fresh fuel and out of direct sunlight.
- Install additional water separating fuel filters in your boat and keep spare filters on-hand.
- Use a fuel stabilizer along with fresh fuel when your boat is stored (follow the procedure noted in your owner’s manual to ensure proper storage).
- Use a gas station with a reputation for quality fuel.
- Know the specific fuel laws for your state as laws and fuel composition change often.
FUEL SYSTEM PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR HONDA MARINE ENGINES
CARBURETED Engines
Fuel deterioration is a significant issue affecting carbureted engines. Current gasoline formulations have a limited shelf when exposed to heat and air, and can deteriorate in just 3 to 4 weeks. You cannot avoid the problem, but you can prevent it easily and inexpensively.
When exposed to air or heat, the fuel in a carburetor's float bowl begins to oxidize, turning into a varnish-like substance that will restrict or block the carburetor jets. All carburetor float bowls are vented to the atmosphere, allowing the fuel to oxidize at a slow, steady rate.
The Distributor's Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or engine performance problems resulting from improper fuel storage.
The gasoline in your boat's fuel tank is also exposed to the air through the tank's vent. To slow the deterioration of gasoline in the tank, keep as much air as possible out of the tank by keeping the tank full during periods of starage.
To counteract the deterioration of gasoline, use a Fuel Stabilizer at the recommended ratio. The amount of stabilizer required varies, depending on how long the fuel will be stored. Follow the manufacturer's instructions listed on the fuel stablizer container. If you use your boat infrequently (less than twice per month), you should keep fuel stabilizer in your boat's fuel tank at all times. be sure you run your engine in the water, under a slight load if possible, for at least 10 minutes after adding the stabilizer. The allows the stabilized fuel mixture to reach and fill the carburetors.
Even though the oxidation rate and associated carburetor problems are reduced by using stabilized fuel, the fuel can lose its volatility (ability to vaporize and ignite inside the engine). Prior to starting an engine that has been sitting, be sure you refill the carburetors by squeezing the primer bulb several times until it is firm. The fuel from the tank will mix with the fuel in the carburetors and make it easier to start the engine. Check the owner's manual for the correct starting procedure for your engine.
FUEL INJECTED Engines
Honda fuel injected engines are less susceptible to fuel deterioration problems than carbureted engines. Fuel injected engines store fuel in a Vapor Separator, a large reservoir with a float and vent similar to a carburetor. The vent, however, is filtered, so the fuel inside has less exposure to the air and stays fresh longer.
Honda recommends using a fuel stabilizer when storing your fuel injected engine for more than 60 days. Add fuel stabilizer to your boat's fuel tank(s) and run the engine in the water, under a slight load if possible, for 15 to 20 minutes.
WATER in the Fuel
Many Honda engines are equipped with a water separator indicator that activates a warning buzzer if there is a significant amount of water in the fuel. Check your Owner's Manual for details.
Lighthouse Marine was the recipient of the Service Dealer of the Year Award. Therefore guaranteeing you the best possible service of your Honda!
Contact us today about a new Honda Outboard!
Review on 2 Horse Power Outboard
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Lighthouse Marine
7480 FM 3126
Livingston,
936-967-4256
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