Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Buying a used BF150a5

A

AP1

New member
Hey everyone. First time, long time.

I’m in the market for a used BF150 to replace my old 2.0 black max on my ‘71 GW.

I found an ‘05 BF150a5 with all rigging and gauges locally for $1000. According to the owner it has “around 500” hours. The outboard runs but has water getting into the bottom cylinder.

I’m assuming it is a head gasket or at worst a cracked water port in the cylinder head. The owner did not get compression numbers before he pulled the motor.

In y’all’s opinion, would this be worth picking up?
I am confidently familiar with the K-series Honda engines from my experience with Honda cars and SUVs.

This would be my first experience with a “modern” outboard so anything unexpected or info that I may be missing would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys
 
Bit of a gamble. do a compression test, and leak down and scope before you buy as try to find source of the leak and any damage to piston or cylinder wall and how low the compression is. If you can run it dry ( no water 30-40 seconds) and it runs ok and just compression is low then might be head gasket. Good sign you will be able repair it if you're able to run it dry. I always drain out the milky oil and run them for a bit with clean oil until Im able to get to it otherwise they will rust up.

If you find zero compression on any cylinder its likely hole in the head and not repairable would need new head but block might be ok. Ive pulled the heads of half dozen 150s. Ive had engines where the water in cylinder corroded rings and pitted the liner. Ive had engines where the water jacket barrel dissolved a cavitary up to the side of the piston sleeve on the block also not repairable. Ive had engines where water intrusion included sand an shells in the cylinder which damaged the sleeve and rings, was able to get it running but compression was low.

So I'd tell the seller hang onto the lower unit and I'll give you the $1000 after I take the head off. once you get the head off if engine turns by hand turning the pully wheel and the piston sleeve isn't scratched or pitted and the aluminum bucket outside the piston sleeve has no corrosion then a new head or good condition used head should get it going again.
 
Back
Top