TOHATSU BFT 150A User manual

BFT 115A
150A
OWNER’S MANUAL
000000000
Printed in Japan
31ZX1T00
00X31-ZX1-T000
BFT 115A
150A
TOHATSU CORPORATION
Address : 5-4,AZUSAWA 3-CHOME ITABASHI-KU,
TOKYO 174-0051
Phone : [phone]
FAX : [phone]
URL : www.tohatsu.co.jp

Keep this Owner’s Manual handy, so you can refer to it at any time. This Owner’s
Manual is considered a permanent part of the outboard motor and should remain with
the outboard motor if resold.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change
specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
31ZX1T000.book 0 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your selection of
a TOHATSU outboard motor. We are
certain you will be pleased with your
purchase of one of the finest outboard
motors on the market.
We want to help you get the best
results from your new outboard motor
and to operate it safely. This manual
contains information on how to do
that; please read it carefully.
As you read this manual you will find
information preceded by a
symbol. That information
is intended to help you avoid damage
to your outboard motor, other
property, or the environment.
We suggest you read the warranty
policy to fully understand its
coverage and your responsibilities of
ownership.
When your outboard motor needs
scheduled maintenance, keep in mind
that your TOHATSU dealer is
specially trained in servicing
TOHATSU outboard motors. Your
TOHATSU dealer is dedicated to
your satisfaction and will be pleased
to answer your questions and
concerns.
Best Wishes,
Tohatsu Corporation
31ZX1T000.book 1 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

2
INTRODUCTION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT
SAFETY
Your safety and the safety of others
are very important. And using this
outboard motor safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions
about safety, we have provided
operating procedures and other
information on labels and in this
manual. This information alerts you
to potential hazards that could hurt
you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining an outboard motor. You
must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
•Safety Labels – on the outboard motor.
•Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three
signal words, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
•Safety Headings – such as IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
•Safety Section – such as OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY.
•Instructions – how to use this outboard motor correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information – please read it
carefully.
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow
instructions.
31ZX1T000.book 2 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

CONTENTS
3
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY ................................... 7
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .............. 7
SAFETY LABEL LOCATION ................................ 9
CONTROLS AND FEATURES ................................... 10
CONTROL AND FEATURE IDENTIFICATION
CODES ................................................................ 10
COMPONENT AND CONTROL LOCATIONS ... 11
CONTROLS ............................................................ 15
Side-Mount Type
Ignition Switch .................................................... 15
Emergency Stop Switch Clip and Emergency 
Stop Switch ..................................................... 15
Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever ........................ 16
Fast Idle Lever ..................................................... 17
Panel-Mount Type
Ignition Switch .................................................... 18
Emergency Stop Switch Clip and Emergency 
Stop Switch ..................................................... 19
Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever ........................ 20
Fast Idle Button ................................................... 21
Top-Mount Type
Ignition Switch ....................................................22
Emergency Stop Switch Clip and Emergency 
Stop Switch ......................................................22
Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever .........................23
Fast Idle Button ...................................................25
Common Controls
Power Trim/Tilt Switch .......................................26
Power Tilt Switch ................................................27
Manual Relief Valve ............................................27
Tilt Lock Lever ....................................................27
TRL (Trolling) Control Switch
(optional equipment) .......................................28
Engine Cover Latch .............................................28
Trim Tab ..............................................................28
INSTRUMENTS .....................................................29
Trim Meter (optional equipment) ........................29
Tachometer (optional equipment) .......................29
NMEA Interface Coupler ....................................29
31ZX1T000.book 3 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

CONTENTS
4
INDICATORS ......................................................... 30
Alternator (ACG) Indicator ................................. 30
Malfunction Indicator .......................................... 30
Oil Pressure Indicator .......................................... 31
Overheat Indicator ............................................... 31
Cooling System Indicator .................................... 32
OTHER FEATURES .............................................. 32
Water Separator Buzzer ...................................... 32
Rev Limiter ......................................................... 33
Anodes ................................................................. 33
Fuel Priming Bulb ............................................... 33
BEFORE OPERATION ................................................ 34
ARE YOU READY TO GET UNDERWAY? ....... 34
IS YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR 
READY TO GO? ................................................ 34
OPERATION .................................................................36
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS ...................36
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE .....................................36
FUEL PRIMING .....................................................37
INFREQUENT OR OCCASIONAL USE ..............37
STARTING THE ENGINE .....................................38
Side-Mount Type .................................................38
Panel-Mount Type ...............................................41
Top-Mount Type ..................................................43
STOPPING THE ENGINE ......................................46
Emergency Engine Stopping ...............................46
Normal Engine Stopping .....................................47
GEARSHIFT AND 
THROTTLE OPERATION .................................48
STEERING ..............................................................49
CRUISING ..............................................................50
Trolling Speed Control (optional equipment) .....52
TRIM TAB ..............................................................53
SHALLOW WATER OPERATION .......................53
MOORING, BEACHING, LAUNCHING ..............54
MULTIPLE OUTBOARD MOTORS .....................55
31ZX1T000.book 4 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

CONTENTS
5
SERVICING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR ............... 56
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE .......... 56
MAINTENANCE SAFETY ................................... 57
TOOL KIT and OWNER’S MANUAL .................. 58
SPARE EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH CLIP 
(optional equipment) ........................................... 58
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .............................. 59
TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT ................................... 61
MANUAL RELIEF VALVE .................................. 62
ENGINE COVER REMOVAL AND 
INSTALLATION ................................................ 62
Engine Oil Level Check ...................................... 63
Engine Oil Change .............................................. 64
Oil Filter Change ................................................. 66
Engine Oil Recommendations ............................. 67
Lubrication Points ............................................... 68
Spark Plug Service .............................................. 70
REFUELING ...........................................................74
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS ..............................74
Fuel Filter Inspection and Replacement ..............75
Water Separator Inspection and Service ..............78
Anode Replacement .............................................80
Propeller Replacement .........................................80
CLEANING AND FLUSHING .....................................82
Cleaning and Flushing .........................................82
STORAGE .....................................................................84
Fuel ......................................................................84
Engine Oil ............................................................86
HOISTING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR ...............87
STORAGE PRECAUTIONS ..................................87
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE ..............................88
31ZX1T000.book 5 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

CONTENTS
6
TRANSPORTING ......................................................... 89
WITH OUTBOARD MOTOR 
INSTALLED ON BOAT .................................... 89
WITH OUTBOARD MOTOR 
REMOVED FROM BOAT ................................. 89
TAKING CARE OF UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS ..... 90
ELECTRIC STARTER WILL NOT OPERATE .... 90
ENGINE WILL NOT START ................................ 91
HARD STARTING OR STALLS AFTER 
STARTING ......................................................... 93
ENGINE OVERHEATS ......................................... 94
FUSES ..................................................................... 95
Electric Starter Will Not Operate ........................ 95
Battery Will Not Charge ..................................... 95
Fuse Replacement ............................................... 95
OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR TURNS OFF AND 
ENGINE SPEED IS LIMITED ........................... 97
OVERHEAT INDICATOR COMES ON AND 
ENGINE SPEED IS LIMITED ........................... 98
WATER SEPARATOR BUZZER SOUNDS ....... 100
SUBMERGED OUTBOARD MOTOR ................ 100
TECHNICAL INFORMATION ..................................102
Serial Number Locations ...................................102
Battery ...............................................................103
Emission Control System Information ..............103
Star Label ...........................................................106
Specifications .....................................................108
CONSUMER INFORMATION ..................................110
Emission Control System Warranty ..................110
INDEX .........................................................................115
31ZX1T000.book 6 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

7
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
TOHATSU BFT115A and BFT150A
outboard motors are designed for use
with boats that have a suitable
manufacturer’s power
recommendation. Other uses can
result in injury to the operator or
damage to the outboard motor and
other property.
Most injuries or property damage can
be prevented if you follow all
instructions in this manual and on the
outboard motor. The most common
hazards are discussed in this chapter,
along with the best way to protect
yourself and others.
Operator Responsibility
• It is the operator’s responsibility to
provide the necessary safeguards to
protect people and property. 
Know how to stop the engine
quickly in case of emergency.
Understand the use of all controls.
• Stop the engine immediately if
anyone falls overboard, and do not
run the engine while the boat is
near anyone in the water.
• Always stop the engine if you must
leave the controls for any reason.
• Attach the emergency stop switch
lanyard securely to the operator.
• Always wear a PFD (Personal
Flotation Device) while on the
boat.
• Familiarize yourself with all laws
and regulations relating to boating
and the use of outboard motors.
• Be sure that anyone who operates
the outboard motor receives proper
instruction.
• Be sure the outboard motor is
properly mounted on the boat.
• Do not remove the engine cover
while the engine is running.
31ZX1T000.book 7 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

8
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
Refuel With Care
• Gasoline is extremely flammable,
and gasoline vapor can explode.
Refuel outdoors, in a 
well-ventilated area, with the
engine stopped. Never smoke near
gasoline, and keep other flames and
sparks away.
• Refuel carefully to avoid spilling
fuel. Avoid overfilling the fuel
tank.
• After refueling, tighten the filler
cap securely. If any fuel is spilled,
make sure the area is dry before
starting the engine.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Exhaust contains poisonous carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas.
Breathing carbon monoxide can
cause loss of consciousness and may
lead to death.
If you run the engine in an area that is
confined, or even partly enclosed, the
air you breathe could contain a
dangerous amount of exhaust gas.
Never run your outboard inside a
garage or other enclosure.
31ZX1T000.book 8 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

9
OUTBOARD MOTOR SAFETY
SAFETY LABEL LOCATION
The label shown here contains important safety information. Please read it carefully. This label is considered a
permanent part of your outboard motor. If the label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact an authorized TOHATSU
dealer for a replacement.
31ZX1T000.book 9 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

10
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
CONTROL AND FEATURE IDENTIFICATION CODES
Refer to this chart for an explanation of the Type Codes used in this manual to identify control and feature applications.
Model BFT115A BFT150A
Type LA XA XCA LA XA XCA
Transom Height
(Shaft Length)
20.0 in 
(508 mm) ● ●
25.0 in 
(635 mm) ● ● ● ●
Standard Rotating Propeller Shaft ● ● ● ●
Counterrotating Propeller Shaft ● ●
Power Trim/Tilt ● ● ● ● ● ●
Destination
A: American
Rotating direction of propeller shaft
C: Counterrotating propeller shaft
None: Standard rotating propeller shaft
Transom Height
L: 20.0 in (508 mm), X: 25.0 in (635 mm)
XCA
TYPE CODE (example)
31ZX1T000.book 10 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

11
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
COMPONENT AND CONTROL LOCATIONS
ENGINE COVER
LATCH
STERN
BRACKET
MANUAL
RELIEF VALVE
ANODE
[Example: BFT115A] PROPELLER
(optional equipment)
EXHAUST PORT/WATER
OUTLET PORT
ANTIVENTILATION
PLATE
ANODE
COOLING SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ENGINE COVER SPARK PLUG
(under coil)
OIL LEVEL DIPSTICK
ENGINE OIL
DRAIN BOLT
(inside cover)
FLUSH PORT
CONNECTOR
ANODE
TRIM TAB GEAR OIL DRAIN/FILL
SCREW
COOLING WATER
INTAKE PORT
GEAR OIL LEVEL
CHECK SCREW
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
TILT LOCK
LEVER
POWER TILT
SWITCH
NMEA INTERFACE
COUPLER
OIL FILLER CAP
JUNCTION BOX
(FUSES)
31ZX1T000.book 11 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

12
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
Remote Controls (optional equipment)
Side-Mount Control Type
POWER TRIM/TILT
SWITCH
SPARE EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH CLIP
BUZZER (inside)
CONTROL LEVER
FRICTION ADJUSTER
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH LANYARD EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH CLIP
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
IGNITION
SWITCH KEY
FAST IDLE
LEVER
IGNITION
SWITCH
INDICATORS
(Oil pressure, Overheat,
Alternator, Malfunction)
NEUTRAL RELEASE LEVER
Panel-Mount Control Type
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
POWER TRIM/TILT
SWITCH
NEUTRAL RELEASE
LEVER
FAST IDLE BUTTON
Control Panel
(for Panel-Mount Type)
BUZZER
IGNITION
SWITCH
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH CLIP
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH LANYARD
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
INDICATORS
(Oil pressure, Overheat,
Alternator, Malfunction)
31ZX1T000.book 12 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

13
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
Top-Mount Type
(Single Outboard Motor Type)
POWER TRIM/TILT
SWITCH
FAST IDLE BUTTON
Control Panel
(Top-Mount Single Type)
BUZZER
IGNITION
SWITCH
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH CLIP
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH LANYARD
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
INDICATORS
(Oil pressure, Overheat,
Alternator, Malfunction)
(Dual Outboard Motor Type)
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVERS
POWER TRIM/TILT
SWITCH (RIGHT)
POWER TRIM/TILT
SWITCH (LEFT)
FAST IDLE BUTTON
(for Top-Mount Dual Type)
31ZX1T000.book 13 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

14
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Instruments
(optional equipment)
Tachometer
Trim Meter
Trolling Control Switch Panel
TRL (Trolling)
CONTROL SWITCH
31ZX1T000.book 14 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

15
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
CONTROLS
Side-Mount Type
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch controls the
ignition system and the starter motor.
Turning the ignition switch key to the
START position operates the starter
motor. The key automatically returns
to the ON position when released
from the START position.
The engine will not start unless the
gearshift/throttle control lever is in
the N (neutral) position (p. 38) and
the emergency stop switch clip is in
the emergency stop switch.
Turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position stops the engine.
Emergency Stop Switch Clip and
Emergency Stop Switch
ON
START
OFF
IGNITION SWITCH
EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH CLIP
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
LANYARD
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH CLIP
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
LANYARD
31ZX1T000.book 15 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

16
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
The emergency stop switch clip must
be inserted in the emergency stop
switch in order for the engine to start
and run. The emergency stop switch
lanyard must be attached securely to
the operator or to the operator’s PFD
(Personal Flotation Device).
When used as described, the
emergency stop switch clip and
emergency stop switch lanyard
system stops the engine if the
operator falls away from the controls.
A spare switch clip is stored in a slot
in the control housing.
Gearshift/Throttle Control Lever
The gearshift/throttle control lever
controls engine speed and selects F
(forward), N (neutral), or R (reverse)
gears.
SPARE SWITCH CLIP
NEUTRAL RELEASE
LEVER
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
31ZX1T000.book 16 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

17
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
Moving the control lever 30° from N
(neutral) selects the gear, and further
movement increases engine speed.
The control lever automatically locks
itself in the N (neutral) position. To
move the lever out of the N (neutral)
position, you must squeeze the
neutral release lever on the underside
of the lever handle.
A friction adjuster near the base of
the control lever adjusts the operating
resistance of the control lever. Refer
to p. 49.
Less friction allows easier control
lever movement. More friction helps
to hold a steady throttle setting while
cruising.
Fast Idle Lever
Use the fast idle lever to accelerate
engine warm-up after starting the
engine. Do not use the fast idle lever
when starting the engine.
See page 40 for engine warm-up
instructions.
FAST IDLE LEVER
GEARSHIFT/THROTTLE
CONTROL LEVER
MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM
THROTTLE OPENING
THROTTLE OPENING
MINIMUM MINIMUM
SHIFT SHIFT
F (FORWARD) R (REVERSE)
30°30°
N (NEUTRAL)
31ZX1T000.book 17 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分

18
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
The fast idle lever allows you to
increase the idle speed only when the
control lever is in the N (neutral)
position. Place the fast idle lever in its
lowest position to cancel the fast idle
and return the control lever to normal
operation.
Panel-Mount Type
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch controls the
ignition system and the starter motor.
Turning the ignition switch key to the
START position operates the starter
motor. The key automatically returns
to the ON position when released
from the START position.
The engine will not start unless the
gearshift/throttle control lever is in
the N (neutral) position (p. 41) and
the emergency stop switch clip is in
the emergency stop switch.
Turning the ignition switch to the
OFF position stops the engine.
MAXIMUM FAST IDLE
FAST IDLE LEVER
LOWEST
POSITION
N (neutral)
IGNITION
SWITCH
OFF
ON START
31ZX1T000.book 18 ページ ２０１３年１０月１８日 金曜日 午後５時６分