Honda BF20 squeal at low rpm

[shipr3kd]

My Honda BF20 has developed a high pitched somewhat metallic squeal at 1000-1200 rpm's. This noise only happens when underway in forward. The dealer ran it in their tank with me present and no noise was apparent. It seems to be coming from the shaft or lower unit area. Anyone have any similar issues or ideas?

 

[shipr3kd]

Re: Honda BF20 squeal at low rpm

Still looking for any Info on above mentioned squeal. Motor runs great otherwise but is approaching the end of it's warrrantee and the dealer does not seem to hear the noise. Had other boaters listen and they all said it doesn't sound right. If I search the forum, an almost identical problem shows on 115hp Yamaha. The responses were regarding a seal or bushing below the power head and I wondered if the Honda has a similar seal that could be my problem. Again, a whistle or squeal just above idle only in forward gear. could this be an exhaust noise?

 

[hondon]

Re: Honda BF20 squeal at low rpm

This is a fun one that I have encountered in the past.On some boats engines will find the harmonic balance and send that squeal much like a tuning fork does.This is especially prevalant on alluminum boats.This seems to happen more frequently with kickers and may be resolved by some insulation at the kicker mount.

 

[shipr3kd]

Re: Honda BF20 squeal at low rpm

Thanks for the reply, hondon. You may have fixed me. After reading your reply, I seemed to remember that about the time my squeal started, I raised the engine about an inch to get a couple more mph out of it. Never thought much about it, but lowered it back down to the original mounting position and the noise went away. This is my primary engine...and yes, it's on an aluminum boat. Now that I know it's not an engine problem, I'll raise it back to gain my mph and play with the mounting and try some type of insulation. Thanks again for responding, based on reading your replies to other boaters I figured if you didn't have anything I was sunk.

 

[SacFisher]

Re: Honda BF20 squeal at low rpm

I have a similar issue - I have a squeak just above idle with no noise at lower or higher rpms. I have an older Gregor 15' aluminum with a 2004 Johnson 15hp 4 stroke. I put a lower pitch prop on the motor and it started making a squeaking sound. It sounds like its coming from the bottom end of motor but when I run the motor on a stand there is no squeak. I also added about 1/2 inch rubber under the motor mount and it still squeaks. Suggestions? It is driving me crazy!