Cosmetic damage to outdrive or replace it?

[Shrek6737]

Hello,
I have a project boat, 16ft 1978 hammond with mcm 470 and a mc I outdrive. I noticed there is some metal missing on the lower portion of the outdrive. Refernce included pictures. Is this something that if not fixed will cause damage to the internals of the outdrive or can it be left alone? If it needs to be resolved, can it be done by me welding some 1/4in metal and smothing out or just cut my losses and try to relpace the whole lower?





Previous owner supposidly hit a boat ramp due to low river water. With things im finding elsewhere and the damage pictured above I have a good feeling there was more to it than that.

Side question, prop is dinged up (partially show in pictures), just replace or is it okay to smooth it out with a grinder and paint over it?

 

[matt167]

If it's behind the prop seal it's not just cosmetic. It is however fairly easy to fix by a competent welder.

 

[Rick Stephens]

You can and probably should ignore the case damage. It has no effect on operation.

Grind and sand and straighten the prop. No downside other than not doing it.

 

[Shrek6737]

If it's behind the prop seal it's not just cosmetic. It is however fairly easy to fix by a competent welder.

I haven't taken the prop off yet, but it looks like the deepest part of the damage is either just before the prop seal or about a 1/4 way in.

 

[kenny nunez]

It would not surprise me if the propeller is corroded on the shaft and the P O tried to pry it off causing the damage to the case. If that is what has happened you will probably have to take it to a shop that can remove the propeller and the gear case can be repaired by welding on a patch.
Also while the propeller may be able to be repaired just buy a new one and keep the original as a spare. Be sure to coat the propeller shaft with a good marine grade of grease.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I haven't taken the prop off yet, but it looks like the deepest part of the damage is either just before the prop seal or about a 1/4 way in.

The seal is in the bearing carrier, not the housing. That broken off piece could only be a problem should some weeds or other floating debris get caught up and wrapped up inside.

I own a welding shop - I might be hesitant to weld that up if it would impair the carrier nut threads in the housing. Might be able to TIG weld a patch in without much penetration. Have to be careful or the carrier nut might not be removable later on, should that be needful. Careful is the word.

 

[racerone]

Easy fix with some epoxy.-----As it is now some exhaust will leak out and that would not be a big issue.