Honda 90 HP Fuel Injection Alarm

[Peter & Judy]

Honda 90 HP Fuel Injection Alarm

Last October we were on a two week cruise of Lake Powell and after about 11 or 12 days of problem free cruising the Fuel Injection Alarm went off. We were cruising up the San Juan River at hull speed in the morning until we reached the end of the water at the Big Bend where the water was choked with debris. Here we had to turn around, so I decided to turn up the speed and put the boat on plane. We cruised almost the entire length of river when the Fuel Injection Alarm went off. The alarm consists of a flashing red light and shrill beep every second. It is impossible to drive with the alarm and we stopped and shut down the motor. After what analysis we could do, we switched to the Honda 9.9 kicker and found a camp spot. There was a wind warning the next day, so we chose to stay put and wait for another day. Then we headed off early the next morning with the kicker. 11 hours later we pulled back into Bullfrog Marina after a slow journey on the small motor. We tried the Honda 90 a couple of times, but the Fuel Injection Alarm persisted.

I have done some preliminary searching on the internet and one thing that I have found mentioned a few times, is that it might be the oxygen sensor that has failed. Also back at Bullfrog we talked with the Chief Ranger and she indicated that there were often problems with moisture in the fuel from Dangling Rope Marina. I had checked the fuel separation filter, but did not see any water in the bowl.

I am now trying to trouble shoot the problem so that I can have the problem repaired before boating season. I am someone who likes to be able to ask the mechanic intelligent questions and have some understanding of the motor, so that the problem can be more easily and cheaply diagnosed and repaired. One problem we have in Alberta is a lack of well experienced marine mechanics. The Honda mechanics at the dealerships are certified for marine engines, but mostly work on ATV’s. It would be nice to have a marine specialist, but these are lacking on the prairie.

I have not been able to deal with the problem as we did not return home until early November and this morning the temperature was near -40C/F. It probably will not be safe to turn on the motor with muffs to water cool it here until late April or early May.

My question to other Honda owners, or other outboard owners that might have had a similar problem is. Have you ever encountered this problem before and if so how was it rectified? Any information towards my understanding of the problem would be appreciated.

Honda BF90D - 2009
400 hours when I purchased the boat, about 500 hours now.

[Barry Rietz]

Peter & Judy; My 2008 22 cruiser has the exact Honda motor and about the same total accumulated hours. Although the alarm never sounded while underway, it did chirp once when I started the motor from cold. My routine is to always turn on the ignition and wait one minute for the computer and sensors to set before starting. After starting that day I have not had a repeat event. Because the sensors are typically problematic, I would suggest troubleshooting the situation yourself first. You sound like a capable person and if you have a simple digital volt-ohm-meter it is in most cases all you need. It would be wise to acquire the Honda factory manual which you could keep onboard for future reference. Please let us know how this situation turns out once it has been diagnosed.

[DrewbirdII]

I don't know about a fuel injection alarm, but if you suck up some weeds or debris you will get the same alarm from waterflow/temp. it will stay on until you clear it out, just a thought! Jim.

[ssobol]

I don't know about a fuel injection alarm, but according to the manual my BF90D has a "limp" mode that is engaged for certain faults (I believe primarily for overheats). When in limp mode it will not go above 2000 rpm. Never had it happen to me though.