Honda Paint Peeling

[RobMcClain]

I have read posts that indicate other C-Brats have experienced paint flaking and peeling off their Honda outboards. The boat we recently purchased is powered by a 2006 Honda 150 hp that has been regularly serviced and well cared for. However, the paint on the lower unit below the cowling is peeling off in large pieces. The lower unit will soon be just the plastic material absent the paint covering. I know Honda sells a 3-part paint system that I can apply to return the normal appearance, but I've noted the color of the lower unit is not that bad looking as long as all the paint comes off. While I will probably opt to paint it because I like the original appearance, I am considering not doing so. I am not a mechanic nor do I have knowledge of the value the paint might add, if any. I can't imagine leaving the plastic (or whatever that actually is) unpainted will cause any sort of problem or damage, but I don't really know. Any thoughts in this regard??

Rob

[Sunbeam]

I don't know any facts about it, but one thought that comes to mind is how UV-resistant the bare plastic would be. Even if it is not, I suppose it might not be a concern depending on how you use or store the boat.

[nuipukawai]

Well, Rob, here's my take. Honda sells the 3-part oyster silver metallic paint kit for the bf150 as you know. As I recall the 3 spray cans run about $60 for the kit. Sorry, but I've never tried the Honda paint system so can't report on its effectiveness. Or, when you decide to sell the boat and want it looking spiffy, you could opt for new lower covers at about $700 the set, retail. Or leave it like it is. I've seen plenty of peeled Honda covers in our shop over the years- though not so much lately- and haven't seen evidence of plastic degradation. That'd be my choice 'cause I'm basically cheap and lazy....Aloha, Steve.

[Jack in Alaska]

My 2002 200 hp Honda is peeling the paint off of the engine shroud. The piece that is separate from the main shroud.
I plan on cleaning it well and painting it with bed liner paint.

Any comments on that proposal??

[localboy]

The problem w/ painting plastic is: 1. adhesion and 2. movement causing cracking/peeling. I know there are flex agents that can be added to paint; that's how body shops paint plastic car bumpers.

Don't know about the bed liner idea. It is more flexible though. I'd just wonder about adhesion to the plastic. I'd call the manufacturer and ask.

[Almas Only]

Here's what worked for me. Remove the part, and use a fine sandpaper (say, 600 grit wet/dry) under water to remove all paint that is loose, and get a smooth edge between the areas where there is and is not peeling. Prime with zinc chromate, and lightly sand (wet). Then spary several coats with Honda Motor Paint available from West Marine under the Tempo (now whatever) label. Then do a final light sand, if necessary, with 1000 grit (wet), being careful not to remove the paint from edges of the piece. Then, apply a couple of coats of clear coat, also available from West Marine.

The key to all of this is to mount the part on a piece of wood which you can use as a handle, rotating the part as necessary during drying to prevent runs.

I've also used Honda's paint, which is an exact match, and very expensive. The paint available from West is not quite as good a color match, but is so darned close you won't notice the difference.

Did mine about three-four years ago, and still looks like new.

[Jack in Alaska]

I did the bed liner coating thing today. Prep included scraping all of the old loose paint off and the coating that was on where the paint used to be, sand papered it off to smooth it out and then masked it off with blue tape.
I applied 3 coats of black bed liner, one every 5 min. It looks great and hopefully will be durable. Time will tell.

And an added note.........King salmon fishing sucks in the Cook Inlet and drainage area. Season closed since June.

[journey on]

Almas Only:

I assume you used the Moellers Engine Spray Paint - Volvo Stern Drive Gray? That's the only grey I could find.

The lower unit of Journey On's 150 just started peeling ( 6 years) and it sits in the sun for 270 days per year.

Boris

On edit:

Defender has this for $25:

Honda Outboard Engine Paint
Color: Oyster Silver Metallic Gray
Designed for Honda Engines: BF2 through BF225
11 Ounce Aerosol Can, Original Factory Color Touch-up Paint

Plus Honda Clear Coat for $15. Whatever is unique about Honda clear coat.

[Almas Only]

Moeller #25516 Honda Oyster Silver Metallic.

[tsturm]