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Honda BF 250 engine light and beeping

J

Jobyc

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I have owned this boat since February. Did full service including impellers and thermostat. Was having intermittent beeping and engine light but now starts after 30 seconds of starting. Pulled codes and got one short engine light four long followed by one short. Can’t figure out what that code is from the page I found online. Any ideas?
 
You have code 14 and 1. Clear the codes and see what comes back. 14 is Idle air control valve and 1 is O2 sensor. Also check for water in fuel
 
Ian - I think Jobyc is indicating a code 1 and a code 41.

Code 1 is a disconnected HO2 sensor, short or open circuit on the sensor circuit of the HO2, faulty HO2 sensor circuit, OR A MISFIRING SPARK PLUG.

Code 41 is a disconnected HO2 sensor, short or open circuit on the heater circuit of the HO2 sensor, faulty HO2 heater circuit, OR A MISFIRING SPARK PLUG.

So basically, it's telling you that both the HO2 sensor circuit and the HO2 heater circuits are having a problem, or you have a misfiring spark plug.

First thing to do is unplug the HO2 sensor and check the pins for corrosion or a pin recessed, and check the wiring to and from the plug. If nothing there, pull the plugs and see if one or more is super clean, indicating that undetonated fuel has cleaned off any carbon or residue. If neither indicate a problem, replace the HO2 sensor.
 
Yes. HO2 stands for heated oxygen sensor. The sensor is heated to about 600 degrees F at start up.

There are no stupid questions when it comes to marine engines.
 
chawk_man said:
Ian - I think Jobyc is indicating a code 1 and a code 41.

Code 1 is a disconnected HO2 sensor, short or open circuit on the sensor circuit of the HO2, faulty HO2 sensor circuit, OR A MISFIRING SPARK PLUG.

Code 41 is a disconnected HO2 sensor, short or open circuit on the heater circuit of the HO2 sensor, faulty HO2 heater circuit, OR A MISFIRING SPARK PLUG.

So basically, it's telling you that both the HO2 sensor circuit and the HO2 heater circuits are having a problem, or you have a misfiring spark plug.

First thing to do is unplug the HO2 sensor and check the pins for corrosion or a pin recessed, and check the wiring to and from the plug. If nothing there, pull the plugs and see if one or more is super clean, indicating that undetonated fuel has cleaned off any carbon or residue. If neither indicate a problem, replace the HO2 sensor.
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You're probably right mate, I read it as one short 4 long, space one. But looking at the chart you are probably right. I haven't used that method for years since we have DrH. Thanks for pointing it out, you're onto it. :)
 
I want to thank you guys very much. Checked misfire and plugs. Cleared codes had an H02 sensor express shipped both aftermarket and OEM. Replaced the sensor after running it at the dock for 20 minutes, water tested and no alarms. Running a charter tomorrow so back in business. Couldn’t have done it without your advice! Much appreciated
 
Glad it worked out for you. This forum is probably the most useful one on the internet. Personally, it has saved me many thousands of dollars. It seems that all of the folks on this forum really like to help their fellow boaters.
 
Jobyc said:
I have owned this boat since February. Did full service including impellers and thermostat. Was having intermittent beeping and engine light but now starts after 30 seconds of starting. Pulled codes and got one short engine light four long followed by one short. Can’t figure out what that code is from the page I found online. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Hello, I'm also learning that 0-2 sensors are problematic on this year BF250A due to moisture intrusion when coming off plane, due to water (capillary action) travelling back up to the sensor area.
 
I've attached Honda SB 56 for the BF 225. Your engine is similar. See page 7.

Exhaust ports must be at least 5.9 inches above the water line.
When starting the engine, crank it continuously until it starts.
Come off plane slowly.
 

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chawk_man said:
I've attached Honda SB 56 for the BF 225. Your engine is similar. See page 7.

Exhaust ports must be at least 5.9 inches above the water line.
When starting the engine, crank it continuously until it starts.
Come off plane slowly.
Click to expand...
Hello, grateful for the info, will investigate! Spent most of my boat ownership with inboards so this is (kind of) new territory for me. Is there a decently simple way to search for service bulletins applicable to the BF250A? Thanks again!
 
O 2 sensor , no msgic fix for these, that's why Honda deleted them on later models at the expence of higher fuel consumption. If it's a 20" shaft, they are even worse. Buy your O2 sensors from Yumbo parts Japan, much cheaper than anywhere else
 
Hello iang6766, I have been doing just that and while there is a SB for a much earlier 200/225, nothing on a 2016 BF250A...YET. I find it hard to believe that I am supposed to trim up the motor and leave starter engaged even after engine catches, motor at slow speeds trimmed up and come off plane slowly and trim up when coming off plane because water might get back up into the exhaust?
I know the USCG uses these engines for MSST's and I know for a FACT (first hand knowledge) that none of these guys are doing any of that.
They're firing up and gone or coming off plane as fast as possible even reversing when necessary for close quarters maneuvering.

Do you know of or anyone know of the possibility/practicality of blocking the O2 port (covering the sensor as is done with automobiles) and re-flashing the ECU? Will look at Yumbo parts as well. Thanks.
 
No bulletins Bill. You cannot reprogram a delete either. It's usually the heater the fails in the aensor usually worse on motors that do extended low rpm operation where exhaust temps are too cold and O2 sensor is being heated by its heater for long periods. The other big issue is with 20 inch motors where the powerhead sits very low close to water level. I have cutomers who hardly have an issue and some whose sensor fails every 50 hrs or so, put that down to a lot of slow trolling. Basically, the manifold is a **** design that Honda have never fixed.
 
Hello iang6766. I am unable to find any bulletins on this matter. I figured an ECU re-flash "might" help. Thanks for the detail on the heat fail in the sensor. I've got 5 hours into this motor. None of operation since we got the boat is at low speed. Enough to minimum wake to opening of canal to the Peace River (I'm in SW FL) then up on plane we go. The fact that the failure is so random is disheartening. The former owner claims to have put about 150 hours on the engine with no trouble. I'm using same engine mechanic that previous owner used for continuity, and he claims previous owner had no issues. We did change spark plugs and found them lightly corroded, changed the O2 sensor, last trip we replaced the O2 sensor again and found it to be wet. We changed thermostats and found them stuck open, starboard side was open and had small bits of debris lodged in it. The cooling ports from what could be seen didn't look all that bad. Considering bringing in another Honda cert mech for 2nd opinion and possible fixes.
Actually considering just dumping the boat.
 
Sounds like poor maintenance, thermostats should be checked and replaced annually, running cold is not good for the motor. Water on the O2 sensor is not a good sign, either a cracked manifold or corroded pin hole in the number 1 exhaust port. I suggest you find another Honda tech if the one you are using has maintained this motor from new. Another thing to ask is if all the block anodes ( there are six of them ) have been replaced and if not get them done because I guarantee they will be non existant.
 
iang6766, already arranged to have a new Honda certified tech run a diagnostic. Checking block anodes on the list of things to do, and the rest sounds expensive. Truly appreciate the insights. Thank you.
 
Maifolds are cheap, you need to remove them to do the block anodes anyway, once off you will be able to see why the O2 sensor is getting wet. If manifold have been off before, they may not have been reinstally properly and could be leaking at the bottom seal. A lot of people reuse those seals, but not a good idea
 
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