Honda Motor Pre-Operation Checklist

Add Engine Oil: Use Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. Automobile manufacturer’s requirements for Service Classification SE or SF. (Motor oils classified SE or SF will show this designation on the container.) Select the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area. SAE 10W-40 is recommended for general, all-temperature use.

• Position the outboard motor vertically, and check the oil level in the oil level inspection window.
• If the oil level is down toward the lower level mark on the window, fill up to the suggested mark in your owner's manual on the dipstick.

Add Fuel: Use any regular grade automotive gasoline (unleaded gasoline is preferred) with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.

CAUTION: Gasoline substitutes are not recommended; they may be harmful to the fuel system components.

• Check the propeller, the shear pin, and the cotter pin to be sure they are secure and undamaged.
• Check the stern bracket to be sure the motor is securely installed.
• Check steering handle operation.
• Make sure you have the tool kit and spare parts with you.

Break-In Procedure

Break-in period: 10 hours. The break-in operation allows the moving parts to wear-in evenly and ensures proper performance and longer outboard motor life. Avoid continuous operation at a steady speed.

First 15 Minutes:

• Run the outboard motor at idling or trolling speeds (the lowest speed possible). 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 3,000 rpm (or 10% to 30% of throttle opening). Operating time at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm should be limited to 50% of the 45 minutes.

Next 60 Minutes:

• Run the outboard motor up to a maximum of 4,000 to 5,000 rpm (or 50% to 80% of throttle opening). Operating time at 4,000 to 5,000 rpm should be limited to 50% of the 60 minutes. Thirty-second full throttle bursts are acceptable, but do not operate the motor continuously at full throttle.
• For boats that plane easily, bring the boat up on plane, and then reduce the throttle opening to the specified break-in setting stated above.

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.

READ AND FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING MOTOR!