I have 2001 Honda BF90A that has a big problem with water intrusion into the flywheel cavity. I run in salt water. So my last starter motor lasted just 2 months before loading up with corrosion and guck. This is almost certainly the failed shaft seal that was the subject of a Product Service Bulletin. I called Honda US, but they didn't seem too interested in digging out the PSB for such an old motor. But the engine runs great, so I'd like to get a few more years out of it. I'd also like to avoid a major overhaul that requires specialty tools that I don't have. So:
Elsewhere in this forum, there is a promising solution supplied by iang6766 in a 2018 post:
"I have a permanent fix for this. First, make sure all the moisture is out of the flywheel housing, coat everything a best as possible with some form of corrosion guard. Then ensure your water pump is in good condition. With the lower unit off, drill two 10mm holes into the bottom of the extension housing, either side of the shift shaft directly above where the water pump sits when the lower is back on. This will allow any water leakage from the pump to drain out before it fills the whole extension housing forcing its way past the mount case seals. This method is also a good preventative measure which I have used with great success on all the older BF 75/ 90 motors."
So my question is for that original poster, or anyone who has tried this solution The attached photo shows my engine with potential hole locations shown in red. Are these locations appropriate?
Any other responses or experiences would also be greatly appreciated - for this, or any other DIY solution. Thank you in advance
Elsewhere in this forum, there is a promising solution supplied by iang6766 in a 2018 post:
"I have a permanent fix for this. First, make sure all the moisture is out of the flywheel housing, coat everything a best as possible with some form of corrosion guard. Then ensure your water pump is in good condition. With the lower unit off, drill two 10mm holes into the bottom of the extension housing, either side of the shift shaft directly above where the water pump sits when the lower is back on. This will allow any water leakage from the pump to drain out before it fills the whole extension housing forcing its way past the mount case seals. This method is also a good preventative measure which I have used with great success on all the older BF 75/ 90 motors."
So my question is for that original poster, or anyone who has tried this solution The attached photo shows my engine with potential hole locations shown in red. Are these locations appropriate?
Any other responses or experiences would also be greatly appreciated - for this, or any other DIY solution. Thank you in advance
