Cracked! - Need a lower unit for Honda BF40 (1997)

Does anyone know any reason why a lower unit from a 2001 Honda BF50 (part #41100-ZW4-H16ZA) would not fit a 1998 BF40 (41100-ZW4-H13ZA)? I'm just seeing the slightly different part numbers so it makes me wonder if they are the same/interchangeable ?

I am noticing that from 1998 to 2001 (3 yrs) the part number changes from H13ZA to H16ZA (also by 3)... so maybe the only difference in the parts number is that they change by the year?
 
Wood Zeppelin":2ketg8uq said:
Does anyone know any reason why a lower unit from a 2001 Honda BF50 (part #41100-ZW4-H16ZA) would not fit a 1998 BF40 (41100-ZW4-H13ZA)? I'm just seeing the slightly different part numbers so it makes me wonder if they are the same/interchangeable ?

I am noticing that from 1998 to 2001 (3 yrs) the part number changes from H13ZA to H16ZA (also by 3)... so maybe the only difference in the parts number is that they change by the year?
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Gear ratio might be different.
 
T.R. Bauer":27mlnr88 said:
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!
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I do know that they have upgraded the lower unit design to eliminate this problem. It's a much better design. Rather than an inside-concentric locknut, there is a different geometry with two regular bolts inside.

And this upgraded lower unit is available for older motors, for about $1500.
 
ssobol":dggnj1y3 said:
Wood Zeppelin":dggnj1y3 said:
Does anyone know any reason why a lower unit from a 2001 Honda BF50 (part #41100-ZW4-H16ZA) would not fit a 1998 BF40 (41100-ZW4-H13ZA)? I'm just seeing the slightly different part numbers so it makes me wonder if they are the same/interchangeable ?

I am noticing that from 1998 to 2001 (3 yrs) the part number changes from H13ZA to H16ZA (also by 3)... so maybe the only difference in the parts number is that they change by the year?
Click to expand...

Gear ratio might be different.
Click to expand...

AHHH, Good point! Same lower unit for BF40's and BF50's, but maybe different gear ratios for the two different horsepowers..?
 
IMHO I believe it is best to just purchase a lower unit, period.

It will fit. Gear ratio is of no significance when your motor is 40/50 hp on a 16 C-Dory.

I hope you don't take this wrong, not trying to offend, but try to avoid, at all costs, "Analysis Paralysis." It has bitten me in the ass more than once. I am in the midst of purchasing a new 175 hp outboard to replace a 20 year old Honda 150. I am getting the info and making the decision in one week.

Good luck in your journey!
 
Salmon Fisher,

Thanks for your response. And yes, I appreciate your comment and do not take offense. Analysis paralysis does set in sometimes!

In this case, I do plan to just get an entire lower unit. But I have some options:

(1) I can spend the big bucks ($1500) for the upgraded version which won't crack like the old ones*

(2) Get a used original one* ($750)

(3) get a used version of the upgraded model* ($1000)

* what I've learned is that the older ones *Won't* crack if they are maintained - which means pulling out the locknut once a year and cleaning and greasing the threads.. But with 5 boat motors, two 4x4's and three houses to maintain, I'm starting to want to reduce all the maintenance items!

I'm open to thoughts/feedback!
 
All those things to maintain is a lot for sure.

When I owned 2 boats, a cruiser and a fishing boat, travel trailer, 3 vehicles and the house, it was too much. We know have one boat, the 25 Cruiser, which serves both cruising and fishing. It sure has taken the pressure off.

My suggestion:

Purchase the lower unit that you think is best and install it. I would then think about selling one of the boats. Boats invariably take more time to keep up than vehicles.

The 3 houses, wow, lots to maintain there.

Good luck.
 
I agree about the lower unit, and I agree about maintenance.. I was waiting to find a buyer for one of my boats who would give me first right of refusal if they ever wanted to sell. I found them, so I'll be selling to them soon. I keep one C-dory in Southern Utah (Near Lake Powell), and my current main boat (22' Angler) stays in the PNW. It does everything I want, from Salmon fishing to cruising to boat camping!

Here's my question, but first a few things to consider: The shop says my motor (the top half) is running fine, good compression, etc. However, it is a 1998, 26 years old. I prefer the newer design because I like that it's a smarter design, maintenance free, would never have any issues. But does it makes sense to spend the extra money for a brand new upgraded lower unit to put on a motor that's 26 years old!?
 
Are you talking about the 16 you are keeping or selling?

If it is the one you are selling, just fix it and send it down the road.

If it's the one you are keeping then you'll have to think about your piece of mind. If it were me, I'd probably put the lower unit on it and run it. Then keep an eye out for a newer, used motor that checks all the boxes.
 
Yes, thanks for asking.. it's the 16' I'll be keeping (not selling).

Yes, I'll just put a lower unit on, and be back in action! But the question is weather to get a used one for cheaper, and then keep an eye on it, or the new upgraded one that won't require special attention, but is twice the price..
 
and considering that although in good condition now, the rest of the motor is 16 years old.

So putting a new lower unit on there will probably outlast the rest of the motor by a longshot?, or can I expect the rest of the motor (Honda) to also hold up for the long haul, knowing it's current in good condition..
 
1) Put the lower unit on that is priced in the middle of the range.

2) Run it.

3) Keep on eye on newer used motors or...

4) When you sell the other 16, use some of the proceeds to purchase a brand new motor for the boat you are going to keep.

That's what I would do and I over analyze everything.

Call Sportcraft Marina in Oregon City, ask for Ryan, get a quote on a brand new Honda or Suzuki, they do both. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what he says.
 
Just when Area 10 was open in March. Got one 7 lb keeper and released a few under sized.

Looking forward to shrimping next month and then salmon starting in July through fall.
 
So I was able to find a used version of the upgraded design lower unit (41100-ZZ5-020ZA 40-50HP '07 and Newer 20")

Question: does anyone know if the two bolts that replace the locknut on the old design need maintenance? With the old design (locknut into internally threaded housing), they maintenance it to pull the nut out yearly, clean it, grease it, reinstall (with a special tool).

Do these two bolts in the new design need similar maintenance?
 
Wood Zeppelin":1d6klsnd said:
So I was able to find a used version of the upgraded design lower unit (41100-ZZ5-020ZA 40-50HP '07 and Newer 20")

Question: does anyone know if the two bolts that replace the locknut on the old design need maintenance? With the old design (locknut into internally threaded housing), they maintenance it to pull the nut out yearly, clean it, grease it, reinstall (with a special tool).

Do these two bolts in the new design need similar maintenance?
Click to expand...

Great question in my opinion. But no matter the official answer, I like to make sure all that type of stuff has been cleaned up and to reapply antiseize periodically so it will come apart one day without breaking. Otherwise, regardless of what the factory folks say, you are playing with fire. Literally too I might add, because there could be a torch involved! Or you could take the approach that lower units are basically disposable and just plan on getting a new one periodically. That takes a lot of the stress off of doing any maintenance in my opinion...But where does that end? LOL
 
Thanks for the reminder about anti-seize! I had almost forgotten!

I prefer to try to keep stuff well maintained, because a breakdown at the wrong time can be real bad!
 
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