2002 Honda 40 (twins)

RThorn · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 9:05 am Post subject: 2002 Honda 40 (twins)

How many hours will a 2002 Honda 40 last? Is 1,400 hours to many? I can test the compression but to do you test/inspect the lower unit?

ssobol · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 10:45 am Post subject: Re: 2002 Honda 40 (twins)

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 11:36 am Post subject:

Are you thinking about buying a boat with 1400 hours? I have about double that on my 45s and they still are dependable, have good power, and will probably go another 20 years if they don't corrode away. As far as the lower units, it was posted that draining the oil is telling. Look for the obvious....milky oil, water, and metal filings / flakes. Also check and see if the thing goes in and out of gear smoothly without issue and major clunking at idle. As far as getting lower unit oil tested, I personally wouldn't spend my money on that, but I would for the crankcase oil and have in the past since the Blackstone lab results can identify potential areas of concern.

C-Wolfe · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 12:43 pm Post subject:

I purchase my boat 2 years ago with 1400 hrs on the engines- 2006 twin Honda 50"s, same block as the 40. I have since added about 150 hrs with what I would say is normal issues regardless of hrs. Other then maintenance, I had to replace a voltage regulator on one and flywheel on the other. They are still running strong and I'm please with them.
In my opinion, an engine that sit without been properly store would, most likely have much lower hours, and develop much more issues.

thataway · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 1:09 pm Post subject:

On the other hand, there are engines with only 500 or even less hours which have been abused, which have to be replaced. To expand on ssbol's I am aware of a LEO boat with Hondas which got over 8000 hours. Sometimes these boats are run hard, but the maintenance is good and the engines are run daily. That is the difference.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 8:02 pm Post subject:

Bob's not wrong - there is a population of people that can wreck even the best engineered and built equipment out there. But for the most part, the mid sized Honda motors are as good as they come.