MC-1 Update

[JimEd B]

Well Ladies and Gents,

I suppose you were correct here. Debating attempting to braze this bellhousing back together, but while cleaning up I found where previous owner had used some sort of epoxy to plug holes in the exhaust chamber.

My thrifty side says.... "eh, exhaust is wet anyway. It's not structural, braze it up tight and run it."

My less interesting side says, "boy, you'd better yank that sucker out."

Whatever the case, I don't think I'll be boating any time soon. Should have known better than to think I might have a nice time with a boat this summer..... good thing I paid the registration. SOB.

 

[Bt Doctur]

get some JB Weld and you willl be just fine

 

[JimEd B]

Oh man, don't tempt me.

I think I am going to attempt to braze though. At this point, the worse thing that happens is the rotten bell housing is still rotten.

Been on it with the wire brush tonight, will pick up some brazing rods tomorrow and see how she goes.

 

[Scott06]

Boat will run the same if it has holes here, brazed, or epoxied. As long as the rest of the bell housing is not corroded you are fine

 

[Bt Doctur]

dont think you going to be brazing alum alloy

 

[JimEd B]

dont think you going to be brazing alum alloy

Low temp aluminum brazing rods work pretty well @ around 700 degrees. Allows good penetration without deforming the repair / bonding surfaces.

Is there a reason that the particular alloy Mercruiser used in this bell housing won't take a braze well?

 

[JimEd B]

Boat will run the same if it has holes here, brazed, or epoxied. As long as the rest of the bell housing is not corroded you are fine

Yeah, I'm getting over my initial concern.

We're gonna run it as is.

But for the record, anyone know if a V8 will fit in my motor well/bilge area?

 

[Scott06]

But for the record, anyone know if a V8 will fit in my motor well/bilge area?

you didnt say what youre working or what engine is in there now. If you have a 4.3 currently the V8 is about 4.5” longer

 

[JimEd B]

you didnt say what youre working or what engine is in there now. If you have a 4.3 currently the V8 is about 4.5” longer

Apologies,

I got my threads confused. I meant to ask that question over on the glasply forum.

But, for the record, it's an inline 4. A 3.0 alpha one lx I believe.

And it's currently sitting in a 19 foot Glasply Cuddy. Garage stored for 50 years, rock solid transom and stringers. Spent most of its life on a trailer in a garage, running in fresh water. A real gem.

I'm putting this boat together as an all around fishing boat for Puget Sound / Straight of Juan de Fuca, as well as Lake Kokanee to get my elderly dad out on the water in more gentle conditions after fish he can actually reel in.