Lower housing cracked

[LuckyPenny]

I have a 1977 Mercruiser 250 (5.7L) with Alfa 1 and found a crack in the lower unit extending from the prop hub foward about 3-4 inches. Is this repairable (welding or just drill a stop hole and fill the crack.

 

[Don S]

Re: Lower housing cracked

If you do any welding in that area you won't be able to remove the carrier when repairs are needed. There is also a retainer nut that screws into the housing to hold the carrier in place. If it comes out, you could actually back the carrier out of the drive when in reverse.<br />You really need to get a new housing for the lower before you loose the gears and bearings also.

 

[achris]

Re: Lower housing cracked

That crack in those housings is common. It's caused by corrosion building up under the retainer and bearing carrier and forcing the housing out. Hence, crack. I have successfully welded them in the past, but you have to fully disassemble the housing, clamp the crack shut (with a big hose clamp or similar) and have someone who knows what they are doing weld it.<br /><br />Chris..........

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: Lower housing cracked

What would the effect be if I drilled a stop hole, the used EZ weld as a temp fix. Would it hold up until I can afford to replace the lower housing?

 

[tommays]

Re: Lower housing cracked

you will lose any chance of saveing the drive unless you fix it ASAP and have a real costly tow job<br /><br />i think your best bet would be to find a used lower houseing or compleat lower<br /><br />tommays

 

[achris]

Re: Lower housing cracked

Drilling a stop hole won't help. The reason for the crack in the first place is the 'spreading' of the housing. That won't stop, so a hole won't stop the cracking.<br /><br />Get it fixed properly.