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High Hours BF150 advise needed

D

dex857

New member
Hello, I am looking at 2011 Honda BF150 with approx. 2200 hours, on the computer it says that most of the hours 1500 at trolling speeds all other at cruising speeds.

Are the hours just to high? If no what should I be looking for for issues? Compression ?

They are asking 4k, dealer

Any and all info welcome

Thanks
 
There are likely some specific issues with the 150 and hopefully some owners will kick in.

But in general, when buying a used outboard, do the following...
Pull the cover and look for corrosion, errant wires, or anything else that's out of place.
Compression & leak down test. Compression should be at least 200 psi on each cylinder and there should be no more than a 10% difference between the highest and lowest.
Pull dipstick and if oil has not been changed recently, smell if for any oder of gasoline. Make sure it is not milky, which is a sign that water has gotten into the oil.
Pull magnetic drain plug on lower unit and check for any metal flakes. A little metal like talcum powder is OK. Make sure that the oil is not cloudy.
Check the prop for deformations and major dings on the blade edges.
Check the tilt/trim mechanism for any significant gurgling or being excessively slow. When fully raised, check the T/T hydraulic tubes for leaks or seeps.
Do an on-water test if at all possible (if not get a warranty for at least 30 days after the engine is mounted on your boat and can be water tested.) Water test should be through sustained ranges in gear from trolling speed to wide open throttle (WOT) and everything in between. Transition speeds should be smooth and no sign of misfiring or hesitation.
While testing on the water, check the stream of water from the pisser - it should be luke warn or a bit hotter like bath water.
After testing on the water, pull and inspect the plugs. They should have a light brown coating. If any are blackened, you are running too rich.
After testing on water, smell the oil again for any oder of gasoline and check for any milkiness.
 
To me, the year doesn't matter. It's the hours. And the maintenance record. 2200 is a lot. Best to assume a dealer either doesn't know, or doesn't want you to know all that you should know. You can't be too careful.
 
To follow up......between 2200 and 3000 hrs there is significant risk of major repairs, if not complete end of life for that motor. How much are you willing to pay for the "hope" of getting 800 good hours out of it?

On the one hand, I hate to rain on your parade, but on the other.......being honest, the odds just aren't in your favor.

If you saw all the maintenance records for the life of the motor, and if the compression numbers were exceptional, it might be worth $1500. That's all I would risk at 2200 hrs.
 
I agree with most all of that. But there is another perspective. Given that it REALLY is a 2011 model, then the motor was used approximately 400 hours a year. That's much, much better than an older engine with really low hours. It means that the engine was probably used very frequently under various running and trolling conditions. And if it was used year around (as opposed to long storage periods) that is even better. Reportedly, the USCG was regularly getting 5,000 hours and up on their Honda 225's. The main reason for that is that the RIBS and other boats they were mounted on were in use on an almost daily basis. And the USCG typically has decent maintenance programs. You didn't say whether fresh water or saltwater - that makes a pretty big difference also.

But as btravlin2 said - compression (and leak down) tests should be excellent and maintenance records would be very important in making your decision. However, even with all of that, the $4,000 asking price is entirely too high IMO.
 
I really appropriate all the input. I have not seen any records or compression numbers. It is a dealer and I was looking for info before I go talk to them. I don't want to waste my or their time.
If I move forward and talk to them I will keep you all in the loop.

Thanks again.
 
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