Outdrive cracked

[Dysfunctionalone]

Hello Group.<br /> I just noticed today that me lower unit has cracked. Is there an easy fix to repair this?<br />Can it be welded or sealed in some way or do I need to replace it? Any and all help is appreciated.<br /> Thanks <br /> Richard

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Outdrive cracked

Dysfunctionalone.. It would help is you could tell us more specifically what area is cracked, and what outdrive you have..

 

[Dysfunctionalone]

Re: Outdrive cracked

Sorry about that. I think it is a pre alpha. It is on a 1968 Mark twain with a 160 hp i/o. It is cracked on the right lower front half(opposite the drain plug) in front of where the prop is mounted. Hope this helps<br />Thanks <br />Richard

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outdrive cracked

hello<br /> it sounds like the common bearing carrier/spanner nut crack. if the crack starts just fwd of the prop and runs aft 2 or 3 inches its common. the only good cure is replace the lower case at a minimum. however I have had a lot of them welded. if its not cracked into any oil pockets drill a 1/8 hole at the end of the crack have it welded. no need for removal your not going to overheat the case. <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Outdrive cracked

Hey rodbolt, ever try jbweld on a crack like that? Just curious...

 

[Dysfunctionalone]

Re: Outdrive cracked

I think it froze and cracked. I only had the boat out for 30 minutes last year as it had carb problems then got that fixed and did not have time to take it out again. But anyway i failed to drain the lower case ( thought i would be safe being it was not in long)and found out otherwise. The crack is on the front of the lower case. The gear lube is leaking very slowly out of the crack. Can this be welded or jb welded?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outdrive cracked

hello<br /> Ralph<br /> yes Ihave JB welded them. they crack again. here it is very common in mercs and yammis due to corrosion build up and the case finally splits. I usually drill a hole to prevent futher cracking then tack the bearing carrier nut to the housing and run it till it quits. I tried to take apart a 175 yammi 2 years ago that I destroyed my good suzuki puller then pulled the bearing carrier in two with a snap on puller. after that I scrapped the case and bought a reman for the cust. figgued it wont be worth repairing if I did get the bottom of the carrier out.<br /><br /> Dysfunctionalone. <br /> I dont see how it could freeze crack unless the case was full of water. I have seen some crack due to the water drains in the unit not draining but never one that leaked oil. has this drive spent anytime in the salt ?<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Dysfunctionalone]

Re: Outdrive cracked

As far as I know it has never been in salt water. I have only owned it for about 7 months but the guy I bought it from used it in fresh water and it had been sitting since 1999 but the oil was drained (it was not cracked when I bought the boat).Not sure about the tech names for the parts but, looking at my manual the crack is just above the top front side of the skeg on the starboard side.In the area of where the adjusting sleves and the shims are in the lower unit. Could it be possible that when I did have it out that I hit something? Although I don't remeber hitting anything. Is it possible to drill an small hole at either end of the crack and the weld it up? Would it hold up for a season or 2 of fishing?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outdrive cracked

hello<br /> worth a try. talk to a good welding shop. worst case is ya still gotta have a lower case.weld it,pressure test it and go try it. take a cell phone and buy a seatow or towboat us policy <br /> good luck and keep posting