Damaged Lower Unit

[akoop]

After trying to launch my boat while the lake was very low, I scraped the nose cone section of the lower unit (Mecrusier Alpha 1) on the concrete ramp. The good news is that it only put a scrap about 1 inch in diameter on it, the bad news is that in the middle of the scrap is a very small hole from which gear lube has started to leak out of. Can the lower unit be welded to patch the hole? Does it need to be disassembled before welding? Is there another option for repairing this without replacing the lower unit?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any info

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Damaged Lower Unit

Ouch That should be able to be welded, they fix props & skegs all the time. As long as the hole is as small as you say it is, it should not have to be disassembled. Make sure you get a welder who knows what he's doing......JK

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Damaged Lower Unit

Yes it can be welded.Depending on exactly where it needs to be welded will determine if it will ruin any seals or not.I have a friend that properly prepared a crack in his o/d and repaired it with marine tex and it lasted for years.His was by the exhaust and not at the cavity that houses the gears and lube.Charlie

 

[akoop]

Re: Damaged Lower Unit

I am going to bring it to a welder and have them look at it. I have another question, has anyone ever used one of those nose cones on the outdrive? I was thinking of installing one after I have the unit repaired.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Damaged Lower Unit

I would highly recommend trying to use a welder that is familiar with an outdrive and the type of aluminum it is made of.Someone in the marine industry.This will prevent the chance of overheating the unit which a welder may not be familiar with.Charlie