1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

[dockrat100]

I have been collecting older boat motors like a bad habit, and I have turned my attention to a 1958 Evinrude Fastwin that was apparently run into a rock at great speed, because part of the cavitation plate is broken and what remains is bent.

How is this damage going to affect the motor when using it? I purchased said motor as part of a package deal, and paid little for it, but I would like it to go back on the 14' semi-v it came with. I think the internals are good.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I would certainly try to repair that;

- take a leather / rubber mallet to the bent portion, get it as flat as possible; then;

- file the broken edge flat,
- find some flat aluminium stock of approximately the same thickness
- use cardboard (I like cereal boxes) to create a template, using the unbroken side as a guide
- transfer to aluminium and cut out

Then either 'glue' it in using JB Weld (I know, sounds crazy, but that stuff sets up like metal once it cures) or preferably, take it to a shop and have them TIG it in for a couple of bucks.

I doubt it would effect much, but it's a cheap repair; might as well do it while you have the motor on the bench.

-Duncan

 

[dockrat100]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I may try having it welded back. I haven't had real good luck with JB Weld where strength is an issue. Since the innards are usually what goes bad in these, I would like to find the case that I can transfer the guts into. Someone has to have one in the shed.
The deeper I get into this motor, the more I see that the kid who owned it before me did not spend enough time on this site before ruining parts. So far I found two of the wrong sized screws forced into holes. One was a wood screw!? Seriously, a wood screw!?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I would seek out a new housing. The broken part is repairable, but you'll find other issues, as you are stating. There are plenty of them out there. The AOMCI website is another good place to post a want ad.

 

[tosoutherncars]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

The deeper I get into this motor, the more I see that the kid who owned it before me did not spend enough time on this site before ruining parts. So far I found two of the wrong sized screws forced into holes. One was a wood screw!? Seriously, a wood screw!?

In the Little British Car (LBC) world, that's what we refer to as a DPO - Dumb Previous Owner. Most motors seem to have had at least one!

 

[kodibass]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I have an old rude 9.5 that has the damage as yours does, I bought a cheap aluminum plainer fin that helps the boat get up on step quicker, it bolts on top both cavitation plates with 2 bolts on each side, I drilled a middle hole on the broke side and vwohla. gooder-n-new. looks good and motor does seem to step-up a bit quicker.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

As Zephyr says, check out AOMCI.org classifieds. Place a free want-ad. I've got a JW22 with a broken skeg, and found a whole lower unit on there for $5 plus shipping.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

That should be an easy fix for an experienced aluminum welder.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

Did the PO hit the rock going in reverse? That does not look like rock damage. Personally if it was me, I'd leave it and get the engine running and make sure everything was working well before revisiting it. And really, I would run it like that probably. But I'm lazy Unless I noticed an issue.

 

[dockrat100]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I am not sure under what conditions the damage occurred.

I will probably put it together as is and run it to verify that my innards are good. I have a lead on a lower unit housing for $35, so I can use that to replace what is bent, as long as I don't need a complete lower.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

Test it as is before spending $ on it. You may find that it runs just fine without doing anything.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

id get the motor running.....see if its worth it. if it does work well, id trim and shape ,round off the broken side so it looks somewhat right/factory, then grind the other side to match. you really dont have much to lose. if it affects performance, you need a case, if not, at least it will look somewhat right!!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 hp lower unit physically damaged, is this a problem?

I bought an old 10hp once that looked like that. But the guy told me what happened. He had it on a boat on a trailer. Was towing it and got rear ended at a light. He had the bust piece so I just JB welded it back in place. Everything else was fine. It was a fine running engine.