Hypoid gear oil for lower unit

"My owner manual for my Honda

"My owner manual for my Honda 8 HP calls for hypoid gear oil, whatever hypoid is. I wonder if it matters if I just use regular lower unit oil. What say ye, mates?"

"Dave the term hypoid actually

"Dave the term hypoid actually referred to the way a gear was cut/shaped.

Hypoid rated gear oil will withstand greater contact pressure of the gear teeth (which actually float against each other separated by a thin layer of oil) than non-hypoid.

The term has kinda fallen to the wayside over the years and isn't commonly used anymore. Gear oils now have a "GL" rating.

Most "Marine" gear oil is EP (extreme pressure) GL-5 rated (which makes it both (hypoid) and water (resistant) - suitable for the marine environment.

So you can use most "marine" gear oil, except for type "C" which is designed for OMC hydro-electric shift models..."

Thanks Graham Lamb! That is e

Thanks Graham Lamb! That is exactly what I wanted to know! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!