Uh oh this can't be good

[Wingnutt]

Well, as I was giving my 'ol Regal a pre hibernation coat of wax I noticed something that made me recall the water that I drained out of my Alpha 1 this spring. <br /><br />As I was wiping the wax off of the lower unit, I noticed what I thought was a string stuck to it right under the anti-cavitation plate. Closer examination by the scraping of a fingernail across it to remove the "string" revield a hairline crack about six inches long! Now how in the world did that get there? I drained the lower unit last fall and there was no water in the gear oil, but I got a half a cup out this spring when, on impulse I pulled the drain plug just to check the oil out.<br /><br />Now I am considering my choices.<br /><br />First off since I work at a machine shop that has a TIG welder, and a highly experienced welder should I have him lay a bead on the crack. Or secondly, could I just mix up a batch of JB's and patch it that way since the crack is in an area that isn't pressureized? All opinions are appreciated.<br /><br />TIA

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Uh oh this can't be good

The trouble with the welding is probable distortion of the aluminum, but a good welder might avoid that. And the JB just might work. Look at it this way...its already cracked, so what can ya lose. I'm sure more posts will follow, but I feel for ya...real bummer. Best of luck to you.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Uh oh this can't be good

Weld it with the tig use a little care and it won't hurt a thing, and you will have a permanent repair not a gubber job

 

[Catchem]

Re: Uh oh this can't be good

Sound advice Wingnutt.Its already broke so you got nothing to lose by trying.Everything to gain if it works.Goodluck and let us know how you made out.