Re: Welding on new skeg
The aluminum alloy used contains silicon which makes it more difficult to weld than other aluminum alloys. It is, however weldable with no special problems. Extruded plate can be welded to it.
It does not show in the photo but the engine in my avatar actually has a nice chunk of 3/16 plate welded to it. Way, way, stronger than the original. I did accidentally hit a rock with it and it only put in a nick that I was able to power sand out with my belt sander. As I have said in another post, I originally sent it to a welding school for free repair. You get what you pay for. They got it on crooked and tilted. Not a lot, but it bothered me so much I took it to a professional welder. 100 bucks later it was on straight and plumb, with a nice fillet at the joint with the gearcase. Well worth the price as far as I am concerned.
If you are not an EXPERT welder, this is a case where it is worth it to pay the money.
A poor welding job can make the aluminum porous and of course, we don't want that on an under-water part.
If you have not done so yet, drain the lower unit. This will prevent the oil from expanding past the seals, possibly ruining them, and also causing a fire hazard.
