Crack on drive unit - how concerned should I be?

[PutMeOnTheWater]

Volvo Penta SX-M
Hello! Missed this when buying the boat and the “inspection” I got turned out to be worthless. Trying to figure out how log of deal this crack is. I’ve taken boat out several times and haven’t noticed it getting worse…yet.

Any insight is appreciated!

 

[tpenfield]

It's certainly not good.

I'd see about getting it fixed (if possible). . . it will probably get worse.

 

[muc]

If you look closely right below the crack, there is a little 1/4" slot in the drive. That slot is there to drain the water out of the area where the crack is. My guess is that the drive hasn't been off in awhile or the last time it was, the person doing the service didn't know to check that area and clean it if needed. Also slightly possible the boat was hauled during freezing conditions and that drain froze before the cavity could drain. Suggest you pull the drive and check for more damage, there is a bit of water in that area. I wouldn't worry about the crack that you can see, that's not a critical place. Worry about cracks that you can't see until you pull the drive. My guess is there won't be any, That crack is the weak point.

 

[PutMeOnTheWater]

If you look closely right below the crack, there is a little 1/4" slot in the drive. That slot is there to drain the water out of the area where the crack is. My guess is that the drive hasn't been off in awhile or the last time it was, the person doing the service didn't know to check that area and clean it if needed. Also slightly possible the boat was hauled during freezing conditions and that drain froze before the cavity could drain. Suggest you pull the drive and check for more damage, there is a bit of water in that area. I wouldn't worry about the crack that you can see, that's not a critical place. Worry about cracks that you can't see until you pull the drive. My guess is there won't be any, That crack is the weak point.

Will do thank you! I let you know what we find, although don’t know when.

 

[BRICH1260]

When you can pressure test the casing to see if there is an air leak from that area or any seals. If not, you should be ok. Just be ginger when tightening that nut.