Adding 1997 BF8AM Electric Start and Remote Control

#1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2010, 05:34 PM

This motor came with the sailboat we currently have and we would love to keep the expenses down as much as possible.

But, getting older and lazier, I would like to add two features to this motor.

Is it possible to add Electric Start and Remote Control to this little motor?

It also probably needs a pretty good tune up/servicing. After opening the hood, I can see quite a bit of neglect over the years.

With all these things on the wish list, assuming they are possible, are we better off with a new motor, or "tricking" this one out?

Thanks,

-t

unclemike · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2010, 09:04 PM

The vintage of 8 HP that you have, do not have an electric start option. You can get the parts to remote control it. Honda Outboard Parts 1997 BF8AM XA OUTBOARD ENGINE, JPN, VIN# BACU-1000001 REMOTE CONTROL BRACKET Diagram

This shows the basic brackets for the engine. This is also a page from the Honda accessory book http://marine.honda.com/pdf/accessor...rsion_Kits.pdf

Then you have to add control cables and a control box.

These are good little motors if maintained. They tend to get a lot of mud dobbers, spiders and other critters making nests on sailboats....since they do more sitting than running.

A good service and carburator cleaning should get it to start easily if there is nothing else wrong with it. These normally start on the first pull if you squeeze the fuel bulb until hard, advance the throttle as far as you can (there is a limit when in neutral), pull out the choke and pull the starter.

Make sure that the oil level is below the full mark. They do not run good with too much oil.

If you do not have an owner's manual, you can download one for free from Honda Honda Marine - BF8 Owners' Manuals

The new Honda 8 HP do come as an option with electric start and/or with remote control capabilities. It has a couple of different options for key switches in dash or in the remote control box. It weighs a little more than the 8 that you have, so you may need to check the strength of your motor bracket. Yours is about 79-80 lbs, the new one with electric start is close to 100 lbs.

Mike