Finding a reliable outboard For a small boat or boat, it often leads to a popular announcement site, and it's where you'll find legendary Japanese units that have already been tested, but still have the ability to serve faithfully for years to come. Honda 20 hp This is the “golden mean” for owners of PVC boats with a length of 3.5-4.5 meters, providing a confident exit to plane even with full load.
But the used market is full of not only good deals, but also hidden risks: Buying a motor from hand requires not only financial investment from the future owner, but also a certain technical literacy. In this article, we will examine all the nuances of choice so that you can buy a truly working unit, not a headache.
Why Honda 20 hp 4 bar: analysis of the market used technology
Four-stroke engines from Honda They have a reputation for being "unkillable" because of their simple and reliable design. Unlike two-stroke units, they don't require oil mixture, they work quieter and they consume less fuel. The 20 horsepower model is often fitted with a high-powered, low-power engine. electric starter and generator, which makes the operation as comfortable as possible.
In the aftermarket, these engines are very valuable, so the price can bite, but if you find a good example, its liquidity will remain high even after a few years, and it's important to understand that you're not buying just iron, but the Japanese culture of production, where the gaps in detail are minimal, and the build quality is standard.
When searching on Avito, you will encounter modifications of different heights of the datawoot (S, L, X) and type of control (vomit or remote). For most inflatable boats, a short leg (S) is optimal, whereas for aluminum boats with high sides, you will need a long (L).
⚠️ Warning: Don't blindly believe the headlines "Japanese" or "Original." There are many engines on the market, assembled from contract parts or recovered from serious accidents. A true Japanese always has a clear label and a distinctive sound of work.
Search ads: how to weed out garbage and find a pearl
The process of searching for Avito starts with the proper use of filters and keywords. Don't limit yourself to the "Honda 20" search, use the variations: "Honda 20", "Honda 20 hp", "outboard motor 20 forces." Be sure to put a filter "Run" and sort by the date of placement to see the fresh offers first.
When you analyze the text of the ad, pay attention to the details. A good seller will always indicate the year of issue, the state of the business. compressionPhrases like "motor ideally, no questions asked" without specifics often hide problems. If the description says that the engine "requires repair" or "does not start", this may be an option for experienced craftsmen, but not for the average user.
Photos are the second stage of filtration. Quality images should show the condition of the lower unit, the absence of dents on the lower unit, the purity of the carburetor and the general neatness. The presence of rust on the fasteners or traces of deep corrosion on the anti-cavitation stove indicates prolonged use in salt water or improper storage.
Visual inspection: what to look at first
When meeting with a salesperson, take your time to start the engine. An initial inspection will reveal up to 50% of potential problems. Start with a lower unit: swipe your hand over the bottom. If there are deep scratches, dents, or worst of all, weld marks, that's a red flag. lower unit geometry is critical for cooling and propeller operation.
Look at this. plumbing The presence of oil stains around the lower unit or in the crankshaft indicates the need to replace the glands, which requires disassembly of the engine. Check the condition of the propeller: chipped, slicked edges or the absence of balancing loaders indicate that the engine was used in a careless manner, perhaps "caught" stones or logs.
Look inside the exhaust pipe. If there's a lot of black soda or emulsion, that's a bad sign. An emulsion could indicate a breakdown in the block head gasket or a crack in the cooling shirt, which is a serious problem for a four-strokeman.
If it sticks badly to the lower unit in the area of the anti-cavitation stove, there may have been a repair with a putty that was hidden under a layer of paint.
Diagnostics at start-up: listening and feeling
Starting the engine is the most important step of the test: a cold engine should start with 1-3 jerks of the starter. If the seller claims that the engine “always starts well”, but the starter is idle or requires many attempts, then there are problems with the fuel supply system or compression.
After you start, listen to the engine. A smooth, confident hum without knocking, ringing or whistling is a sign of health. Honda It's softer than two-stroke, but you can't make any extraneous metal noises, and you can't do it at idle speed, because you can't stop the engine when you drop the gas.
Be sure to check the water pressure from the control hole (urinal). The jet should be confident and smooth. A weak pressure or intermittent stream indicates problems with pumping (bribe) or clogging of the cooling system. Also check the reverse: the switching should be clear, without crunch and delays.
☑️ Checklist of motor on water checklist
Technical nuances: compression, carburetion and electrics
If the visual inspection and start-up were successful, we move on to a deeper diagnosis. Compression is critical for a four-stroke engine. Normal values for a Honda 20 hp are in the range of 11-13 kg / cm2 (or 160-190 PSI).
The carburetor is another piece of equipment that needs attention, and in older models it can be sensitive to fuel quality, and when it's running, it doesn't have to sneeze or fall when the throttle is opened abruptly, and if the engine is dead on idle people, you might need to clean the jellybars or adjust the mix quality screws.
Check the electrical part: generator operation, kill switch, and speed limiting system, and you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminals when the engine is running at medium speeds, and it should rise above 13.5 volts.
| Parameter | Normal value. | Critical significance | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | 11.0 - 13.5 kg/cm2 | Less than 9.0 kg/cm2 | Low compression requires CNG repair |
| Candle gap | 0.8. - 0.9 mm | More than 1.1 mm | Check on the warmed-up engine |
| Oil pressure | There's an indicator. | The lamp is on. | Stop the engine immediately. |
| Charging voltage | 13.5 - 14.5 B | Less than 13.0 V | Failed generator or regulator |
⚠️ Warning: Never start a motor without connecting to a cooling system (in a barrel or on a pond) for longer than a few seconds. Overheating a water pump will cause it to collapse instantly and be costly to repair.
Documents, bargaining and a secure transaction
The final stage is to check the documents and make the deal. To legalize the engine in GIMS, you will need a Freight Customs Declaration (GTE) or a Passport of a Self-Propelled Machine (PSM). Without GTD, it will be extremely difficult to register the engine, you will have to undergo a complex identification procedure through the court or examination.
When you trade, use the defects you find as an argument: scratching on a lower unit, not having a gas drain, an old battery or having to replace candles are all costs that will fall on your shoulders. A decent seller will go for a price reduction, knowing that the buyer will need an investment.
When transferring money, be sure to write a receipt or a contract of sale in simple writing, specify the engine number, model, date of purchase and passport details of the parties in the document, which will protect you from claims of third parties and confirm the legality of the purchase in case of verification.
Where can I find the engine number on Honda?
The number is stamped on a lower unit, usually on the right side (when viewed from the back) or on the bracket of the hanging, which consists of an alphanumeric code model (for example, BF20D) and a serial number, make sure that the numbers on the dayswood and documents are the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use AI-92 gasoline for Honda 20 hp?
Yes, most of Honda's current four-stroke engines are designed to run with AI-92 gasoline, but using AI-95 can have a positive effect on stability and reduce knock, especially under load.
How often should you change the oil in a four-stroke engine?
The first oil change after running (or buying a used motor with an unknown history) should be done immediately. Then the interval is 50 hours or once a season, whichever comes first. Use specialized oil for four-stroke outboard motors (for example, Honda four-stroke Oil 10W-30).
What if the engine does not start after winter storage?
It's probably the old fuel that turned into resin, or the candles, so try to twist the candles, check the sparks, and dry the cylinders, and if it doesn't, you'll need to clean the carburetor, and check the fuel in the tank and the fuel pump.
Do I need to keep the engine for the winter?
Yes, conservation is mandatory, you need to drain the fuel from the carburetor (or use a stabilizer), replace the oil, lubricate the moving parts with a consistent lubrication, and store the engine upright in a dry room, which will extend the life of the unit for years.
Is it really possible to find a Honda 20 hp to 50 thousand rubles?
In the current market environment, finding a proper engine on that budget is extremely difficult, most likely a "refurbishment" offer or a motor with serious hidden defects, the real price of a working one starts much higher, be careful with too cheap offers.
Buying a used Honda 20 hp engine is an investment in reliability, but only if you have a thorough check. Don't skimp on diagnostics, it's better to spend time on inspection than money on overhaul.