1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

[doc morgan]

hello everyone I have a 79 115 johnson v4 seahorse went to winterize it yesterday and noticed a crack in the lower unit housing..when I drained the lower unit it was full of water no lube..I am sick over this. I just had the complete top end rebuilt just a few months ago.. 2 grand worth and had the carb's rebuilt..My question would be can this be welded??? or do I look for a new rebuilt lower unit? this thing runs like a new motor and should after the investment..the boat is a gem -79 ranger bass master classic hank parker won the classic in this very boat so needless to say its my pride and joy. Any suggestions and help would be greatly appriticated..thanks Doc

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

Depending on the severity of the crack, they can be repaired. I have had them TIG welded with Argon. Post a pic of the damage.

 

[doc morgan]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

I snapped a couple pic's here there are.I hope this helps..View attachment 120359View attachment 120360

looks bad I hope it can be welded.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

The website says your two attachments are invalid. No pictures. Depending on where the crack is, you may have success aluminum welding it. The problem would be if the crack is in an area of support for one of the internal bearings. If the crack makes the interior bearing support area misshapen, the bearing can get out of alignment, which can cause a long-term durability/wear issue. In any event-you don't have much to lose by welding up the crack. Was there any schrapnel attached to the magnetic tip of the lower unit drain screw?

 

[doc morgan]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

thats funny I just clicked on the 2 attachments and was able to see the damaged area.. to answer your question no metal on the drain screw.

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

Attachment pics don't work.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

Before you spend a $100 bucks on welding with no guarantee of futrue leakage,seal kit. bearing and gear that are pitted from water damage and failing in the coming future., look at a SEI replacement(304) with 3 year warranty...

 

[wmalloy5]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

hello everyone I have a 79 115 johnson v4 seahorse went to winterize it yesterday and noticed a crack in the lower unit housing..when I drained the lower unit it was full of water no lube..I am sick over this. I just had the complete top end rebuilt just a few months ago.. 2 grand worth and had the carb's rebuilt..My question would be can this be welded??? or do I look for a new rebuilt lower unit? this thing runs like a new motor and should after the investment..the boat is a gem -79 ranger bass master classic hank parker won the classic in this very boat so needless to say its my pride and joy. Any suggestions and help would be greatly appriticated..thanks Doc

I bought a 1978 Ranger Aztec 1750v, it also had a cracked lower unit. I'm currently having a friend weld it for free so it can't hurt to try. He is TIG welding it with argon. He said it's been giving him a bit of trouble. I have pictures of the original crack, hopefully soon I will be able to post the repaired unit pictures.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

I have had a similar situation and have wanted to ask the question. Thanks Doc for opening the doors!

The anti cavitation plate on my older Merc 150 is cracked longitudinally, an inch away but along the side of the case.
Can it be welded? Does Brand make a difference. In other-words are all brands of engines lower units weldable?

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1979 johnson 115 cracked lower unit

It can be welded but you have to do it right, you need to take a grinder or file and get the crack clean as in just aluminum, any dirt or oil will make it very difficult to weld without getting pourosity and a leak and open it up a bit so the weld has something to stick to, also after you grind all the crap out get a bunch of laquer thinner in there to remove all the oil.