T.R. Bauer
New member
Wood Zeppelin":1951f2d8 said:
I don't think anyone can really answer that with certainty. But, the longevity should be increased - lots of variables.
Cracked! - Need a lower unit for Honda BF40 (1997)
- Thread starter Wood Zeppelin
- Start date
I don't think anyone can really answer that with certainty. But, the longevity should be increased - lots of variables.
srbaum
Member
WZ,
I repair about 50 outboards a year and have repaired near a thousand in my lifetime. I would not waste my time with repairing it. I would buy a used one in almost 90% of the cases. I have had good luck with buying used ones from reputable shops that sell used lower units. Most of these reputable shops will replan a defective unit.
I repair about 50 outboards a year and have repaired near a thousand in my lifetime. I would not waste my time with repairing it. I would buy a used one in almost 90% of the cases. I have had good luck with buying used ones from reputable shops that sell used lower units. Most of these reputable shops will replan a defective unit.
I took the liberty of posting two of your photos in larger format, to see the amount of corrosion detail. (if you copy the first image you see on your photo album, they will be small--probably because of a small file. If you double click then it will come up this size:
After studying these, I agree 100% with srbaum who has extensive experience with these motors. Also agree with T.R. Bauer that we really don't know what the future of the corrosion and extending of the crack
Any of the your suggested remedies will not really do a lot in the long run. These photos also bring up the condition of the water passages in this motor. I would pull the thermostat and examine what you can easily see. I would also suggest running the motor in a tank which has salt away added for at least getting up to temperature, and then running for 15 more minutes.
I have dealt with overheating issues on Powell several times, and these were usually when we had gone back into canyons or to the navigable head of the San Juan River, where there was a lot of debris. However we have had it happen in both Powell and other fresh water venues, where a fairly small debris field or grass will plug up the water intake. Stopping and reversing the motor cleared the debris off the lower unit.
Replace the lower unit.
After studying these, I agree 100% with srbaum who has extensive experience with these motors. Also agree with T.R. Bauer that we really don't know what the future of the corrosion and extending of the crack
Any of the your suggested remedies will not really do a lot in the long run. These photos also bring up the condition of the water passages in this motor. I would pull the thermostat and examine what you can easily see. I would also suggest running the motor in a tank which has salt away added for at least getting up to temperature, and then running for 15 more minutes.
I have dealt with overheating issues on Powell several times, and these were usually when we had gone back into canyons or to the navigable head of the San Juan River, where there was a lot of debris. However we have had it happen in both Powell and other fresh water venues, where a fairly small debris field or grass will plug up the water intake. Stopping and reversing the motor cleared the debris off the lower unit.
Replace the lower unit.
T.R. Bauer
New member
Hmmm....seen that lots of times before on honda outboards. I had one like that too. It's time for a new lower unit if you like going out on the water and not worrying about it. BTW, no way that crack stays static. If somebody showed up and asked me to TIG weld that? I'd say you're throwing your money away. Lower units are not free, but as far as boat money goes, they aren't that much either.
Wood Zeppelin
New member
T.R. Bauer":1hne6by8 said:
Yes, thanks for this reply. I agree...
Wood Zeppelin
New member
srbaum":3188g5gj said:
Thank you. I (reluctantly) agree!
Can you recommend shops that might have these units? I called the two Honda dealers closest to Seattle, and neither of them were any help.
Wood Zeppelin
New member
thataway":1bey4oxm said:
Thank you Bob, very informative! Yes, I will do the salt away treatment, as you recommend.
Wood Zeppelin
New member
OK, next big question...
Did they improve on this design in later models that I can swap in and bolt directly to the top half of my motor?
I talked to a guy at shop that services Honda's, and he kept referring to the "two bolts" that hold in this parts of the gear case in place. When I'd mention one big internally threaded nut, he'd go back to talking about the "two regular bolts". I know some other motors have this design. Do later model BF40/50's have this improved design that I could use?
Did they improve on this design in later models that I can swap in and bolt directly to the top half of my motor?
I talked to a guy at shop that services Honda's, and he kept referring to the "two bolts" that hold in this parts of the gear case in place. When I'd mention one big internally threaded nut, he'd go back to talking about the "two regular bolts". I know some other motors have this design. Do later model BF40/50's have this improved design that I could use?
You can get a parts diagram for your motor by google. That will tell about the bolts.
You will most likely have to go to salvage yards or E bay to find the "used but in good shape" lower unit. You should always do a run out dial caliper on one of these to assure that the prop shaft is not damaged. If it is out of true, send it back.
You will most likely have to go to salvage yards or E bay to find the "used but in good shape" lower unit. You should always do a run out dial caliper on one of these to assure that the prop shaft is not damaged. If it is out of true, send it back.
srbaum
Member
WZ,
Give a call to Atlantic Marine, they are wonderful people and truly Honda outboard experts. They specialize in selling and installing Honda's to the military, as well as to commercial and recreational boaters. They are also the go-to for rebuilt or new lower units.
www.atlanticmarineva.com
Give a call to Atlantic Marine, they are wonderful people and truly Honda outboard experts. They specialize in selling and installing Honda's to the military, as well as to commercial and recreational boaters. They are also the go-to for rebuilt or new lower units.
www.atlanticmarineva.com
Wood Zeppelin
New member
thataway":7g67jwdn said:
Yes, thanks for that reminder!
About the "bolts", let me refine my question... what I am wondering is: if there is an updated design on later models that replaces the internally threaded bearing retainer nut (with two bolts).. Because if so, I'd want to get one of those lower units? Anyone know?
Wood Zeppelin
New member
For example, here is a diagram of one with the two bolts. But I don't know:
(a) what year did the design change
(b) Are these two-bolt models a bolt-on for my motor (1998)
(c) What does the "D" in BF40D stand for?
https://yumbo-jp.com/en/catalog/outboar ... SHAFT.html
(a) what year did the design change
(b) Are these two-bolt models a bolt-on for my motor (1998)
(c) What does the "D" in BF40D stand for?
https://yumbo-jp.com/en/catalog/outboar ... SHAFT.html
Wood Zeppelin":1ggn163e said:
The design changes occurred in 2008 & the new design with the o-ring & 2 bolts vs the screw into case will not fit the older ones such as you have. Mainly the shifter connection using a smooth rod in the pre 2008 with a splined shaft shifter in the 2008 & up prevents the interchange. There could also be other changes made that could prevent it.
Wood Zeppelin
New member
Ah, thanks... Good to know. That leaves me thinking my best options are:
(1) reconditioned or new
(2) a used one (preferably closer to 2008)
(3) a used one from freshwater
(1) reconditioned or new
(2) a used one (preferably closer to 2008)
(3) a used one from freshwater
Wood Zeppelin
New member
srbaum":3846ryql said:
Thank you. I called them and they were significantly more helpful that some of the local dealers in my area! I would also highly recommend them!
Wood Zeppelin
New member
Hunkydory":1r1dq1zx said:
Hi HunkyDory,
The guys at Atlantic Marine confirmed that these design changes preventing them from fitting the older motors happened in 2008, but they said the fitment changes were on the BF75's 90's, 115's... But NOT on the BF40's and BF50's. They said they swap newer units onto older 40/50 motors quite often. Is it possible you were referring to these larger motors? I want to double check because once I order a new unit I don't think I can send it back..!
James, I apologize for giving you incorrect information, as it’s worse than none. After rechecking back through this today it does appear your information from Atlantic Marine is correct & the changes weren’t relevant to the Honda 40 & 50. Either, I made the wrong interpretation of information I read or what I read was wrong, when doing my parts research for the water pump exchange on my replacement Honda 60’s, following doing the same on the previous old Honda 40’s.
Jay
Jay
Wood Zeppelin
New member
Jay,
Thank you. As it turns out, you've helped.. because if you hadn't replied to my post in the first place, I would not have asked this question to the guys at Atlantic Marine. So by putting our heads together here on the board and contributing from our experiences, we eventually get this kind of valuable information!
It's good to now know a solution to this problem is to swap in a later model lower unit, for this horsepower range and vintage of motors.
Thanks again!
James
Thank you. As it turns out, you've helped.. because if you hadn't replied to my post in the first place, I would not have asked this question to the guys at Atlantic Marine. So by putting our heads together here on the board and contributing from our experiences, we eventually get this kind of valuable information!
It's good to now know a solution to this problem is to swap in a later model lower unit, for this horsepower range and vintage of motors.
Thanks again!
James
T.R. Bauer
New member
It's ironic this came up again. I was just at the Honda dealer dreaming of new outboards and saw the 40 and 50 hp outboards still have lower units just like my 30 year old ones. I don't know if they are the same, but they sure do look the same. BTW new outboards are flipping expensive!