Ed I will try to tell you what I know about these 4 banger rudes. Post war models are usually 4404 model number. I have two of them. By serial number one is a 1946 the other is a 1948. At first glance they look the same but on close inspection the transom clamps are different the fuel tanks are different the water tubes are different the tilt pin is different. One has a twist grip the other does not. I think OMC was getting rid of old parts. The weedless lower unit and it’s ability to spin 180 degrees is only on the 1949 model. They can be good runners but they can be temperamental too! I will try to post a picture in another post.
dale
