Corrison hole in gimbal housing?

[The Red Rooster]

Replacing engine and outdrive in my boat. 260 MerCruiser. I ran the donor boat last season with no problems, but after I pulled the engine and outdrive I found a corrosion hole in the gimbal housing. this boat was in the water all year and I don't understand it never sank. That being said. would it be safe to use it?

 

[kenny nunez]

If the hole is in the 1-2 o’clock area or possibly on the opposite area it is an electrolysis problem. I have in the past had the area repaired at a welding shop if the rest of the housing was still in good condition. This hole being high in the housing usually never leaks into the boat.

 

[markhodges78]

Are you sure it's not the weep holw for the drive shaft bellows?

 

[The Red Rooster]

If the hole is in the 1-2 o’clock area or possibly on the opposite area it is an electrolysis problem. I have in the past had the area repaired at a welding shop if the rest of the housing was still in good condition. This hole being high in the housing usually never leaks into the boat.

This is what it appears to me. electrolysis problem at 10-11. You have repaired this tig weld? This hole was below waterline I still can't believe she never went down. Its not fresh hole. would have been obvious when I ramped in for the season.
Was wondering about using the 79 housing (TRS) with the 89 (Alpha)?

 

[The Red Rooster]

Are you sure it's not the weep holw for the drive shaft bellows?

Thanks Mark, not that, see the next post photo. Going to remove the gimbal housing and inspect bearings, boots, etc. see if there are other serious corrosion issues,

 

[kenny nunez]

Any good welding shop can mig weld a patch over the hole.
The most important surface is where the drive shaft boot attaches to the gimbal housing. If water ever sat in there long enough and the area where the boot seats is eroded away then it should be replaced.

 

[ROY WILLIAMS]

Thanks Mark, not that, see the next post photo. Going to remove the gimbal housing and inspect bearings, boots, etc. see if there are other serious corrosion issues,

I did my 1978 wellcraft boat 470 merc .. I did the FALL take it out of the outdrive out .. inspected it and used the grease .. then inspected it of the oil outdrive ...
bearings and the u joints sealers .............inspect it ..
my boat is 40 yrs ...

 

[The Red Rooster]

Any good welding shop can mig weld a patch over the hole.
The most important surface is where the drive shaft boot attaches to the gimbal housing. If water ever sat in there long enough and the area where the boot seats is eroded away then it should be replaced.

I am going to inspect also all the other areas I can access, I used a die grinder and cleaned up the corrosion very well. The 1-2 o'clock area also was pitted as you said, but not through. I will see what the weld shop has to say. Thanks

 

[ROY WILLIAMS]

I am going to inspect also all the other areas I can access, I used a die grinder and cleaned up the corrosion very well. The 1-2 o'clock area also was pitted as you said, but not through. I will see what the weld shop has to say. Thanks

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