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Welcome to the Forum. There are many good folks on this forum that will give you good advice and help with your Honda.
These are extremely good outboards. I have over 2100 hours on my 2007 model. But as with any outboard they have had their issues and will display some weaknesses.
Over the years I've accumulated a list of possible issues on the BF200/BF225. This is a good starting point for a detailed inspection of the engine. List is attached.
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You can pull engine fault codes using a paper clip. Attached is the procedure.
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I'll try to upload a list of fault codes. (This may not work.)
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Find out from the current owner if he knows whether or not Service Bulletin #56 has been performed. That SB describes a problem with the original exhaust tubes, and describes the procedure for replacing them with redesigned exhaust tubes that mitigate the problem. If he doesn't know, call Honda Marine Customer Service in Atlanta with your engine's serial number and see if they have a record of replacement under warranty. If you need a copy of SB #56, send an e-mail to me at [email protected] to request a copy. Boats.net sells the replacement kit for about $105 the last time I looked. I've been told that it will take a trained marine tech about 5 hours to replace them.
Download the Owners Manual from Honda Marine. It's free.
If you plan to do any of your own maintenance and repair, purchase the official Helm Shop Manual. It's about $126 on eBay. It will pay for itself many, many times over.
The key to keeping these engines in good shape is to run them often and be rigorous about pulling maintenance IAW with the maintenance schedule in the owners manual.