1987 honda bf15a question

[1216bandit]

I am looking for a 4 stroke kicker motor and came across a 1987 long shaft 15 horse honda with electric start that I am interested in. It looks to be pretty clean with low hours, owner says it was stored indoors for many years. Are these motors/this model known to be reliable??? Anything in particular that I should look for when checking it out?
Thanx! Dan

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1987 honda bf15a question

As far as I am aware Honda has never made anything that wasn't good, It depends how it was stored,even inside it would have needed to be "winterized" by draining the fuel system or putting some kind of Stabil in it and fogged and it would need a water pump but that is basic maintanence.

I would want to hear it run of coarse but if it checks out it's a Honda and they buld good products.

 

[1216bandit]

Re: 1987 honda bf15a question

I kind of figured that, but you never know. Every now and then you hear of a product with a model year that has some goofy problems that are best avoided. I'll hear it run, do a compression check and go from there. Thanx....Dan

 

[whofan]

Re: 1987 honda bf15a question

I think Honda is an excellent bet.

Being that the motor is a 1987 25+ years old.
You will want to look at age related issues. Like varnish in the carburater and dried out seals.
New water pump impeller replacement is a must even if it appears to pump water good replace it.
The rubber in the pump could be slightly dry rotted then if it were to break up in little pieces it will be all trough the coolent passages in the motor then you have a real mess.
None of this would stop me from buying the motor if the price were right.
This is a reallity with an aged motor.