Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

When I bought this boat, some pieces were missing from the plate. I cut some up out of aluminum, and had a local shop weld it for me..

I thought so. That one piece just didn't look like the rest!

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

I've got a "friend of a friend" who will weld it for a case of beer.

I have a mig and tig welder myself, but neither is setup for aluminum, and I have no aluminum welding experience.

on the other hand,

I have a 4.3 right now, and I'm tossing around the idea of building a 383, now would be a good time buy a complete SEI drive with taller gears.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

I "guess" if a nice guy like bond-o said he'd weld it for $100, I'd do it.

Ayuh,... Bring it on over,...'ell,.. I'll stitch it up for a cupa coffee or a gatoraid.....

It looks like the welded section was where the damage is, and the weld didn't break,

Whole pieces can be recreated by welding,...
I've built up Harley cases so they could be remachined to tolerances,... Same with cylinder heads...
There's really No end to repairing with Welding... As long as the case can be brought back to tolerance in the critical areas...
And,...
That cav-plate is Miles away from the Criticals....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

Any thing you can get to stick, I can take off with a grinder...

Ayuh,... Nooo Doubt....

Rebuilding/ Welding alumnum is Messy,...
You end up adding Twice the metal you need to get it Where you want it...

My 4, 1/2" Dewalt is the 1st machinetool to be used in the restoration of Tolerances,.....

 

[dubs283]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

Anyone have any idea what happened?

I'm pretty sure I know what my options are, I've been down this road before.

well, since no one on the forum was in yer boat when this happened, it is going to be quite difficult for anybody here to determine what actually did happened.

my guess is operator error, just my opinion tho

if you know what your options are, why are you asking for advice?

 

[BigBK]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

It just so happens i have a lower drive for this outdrive. i just replaced ny outdrive because i tore out the upper gears and a new one was not that much more.
if you want it u can have it. was keeping it for spare parts anyway. Bob

 

[jkust]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

My boat has a pretty loud stereo. =)

OK point taken. Loud stereo would cover it up.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Alpha-1 lower unit damaged, but how? pics.

Bond-o, thanks so much for the technical insights! If bond-o says weld it, I'd weld it!