Cracked bell housing

[gregskjei]

I have a 4.3 mercruiser with Alpha One outdrive.
There is a crack on the bell housing (see picture).
This on the flat part of the housing on the starboard side, about 1" above the bottom bolt. The crack is even with a cable going through on the inside - I think it might be the shifter cable?
Is this a major problem requiring replacement of the bell housing?
Can the housing be repaired/welded?
Can I run the boat or will I cause more damage?
Also, I have no idea how this happened. I have not struck anything in the water. I did put a hydrofoil on - could this have stressed the housing? Also, it's getting colder here - could it have filled with water and froze?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cracked bell housing

Ayuh,...

I believe that's right opposite the shifter cavity,... I don't know Why it might have broke,...
But,..
I would think that a used replacement would be what I'd do,....
I really doubt that Welding would be a viable option,....
Used are pretty plentiful... and because of that, Reasonably Cheap....

Btw,....
Welcome Aboard.....

 

[gregskjei]

Re: Cracked bell housing

Thanks for responding

If I run it like it is, am I risking internal damage?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Cracked bell housing

Ayuh,...

You Risking allowing Water, where it Shouldn't be.....

Continuing to run it, will potentially only elevate the total repair bill....

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Cracked bell housing

whiles you are swapping it out might be a good time to change the bellows and what not too...