Bf50a wont go over 3500rpm under load

[Bbrown50]

I have a 99 bf50a that i just picked up. Got it out on the water and it doesnt go over 3500rpm when in gear. When in neutral I can get it to hit 5000rpm. If I un hook the linkage from the carbs and do it manually it will go past 6000rpm. Had it out again and ran a can of sea foam through it and maybe gain 100rpm. Throttle response is better after running the seam foam through it but if you accelerate too fast it bogs out. This is my first honda. Idle was set too low so adjusted that and now it idles. Boat did sit for some time and dont know when it was last ran in the water. Any in-site on this would be great.

 

[jgmo]

My opinion is that the carburetors are likely to need cleaning. They don't tolerate long lay ups if not properly prepared first and, even then, those carbs can suffer from mineral deposits and "varnish" build up over time anyway.

Since it's "new to you" I would also suggest that you check valve adjustment and timing along with timing belt condition to be safe.

Good luck.

 

[Alan Hicks]

First, geez, there is no need to free rev these motors (or any other motor). There is NO useful info to be gained by how high it will rev. with no load on it.

Second - agree with @jgmo regarding the need for the carbs to be cleaned, especially if the carbs were not drained during it's time in storage.