Re: Crack repair on lower unit
Ouch. I have been there before and here is what I did as replacing lower units can be quite costly and I was looking for an inexpensive fix:<br /><br />-Drain the lower unit and let it drip for a day or two to remove as much oil as possible.<br /><br />-Using a drill just larger than the crack, drill holes at each end of the crack (this keeps the crack from running further)<br /><br />-Using a small grinder (Dremel) tool, clean out the crack as best as possible.<br /><br />-Sand the area just ouside and around the crack with course sand paper to remove paint to bare metal<br /><br />-Clean entire area with mineral spirits or degreaser being sure to get some into crack. make sure to keep the unit on the side with crack up so no oil from inside drips back into crack<br /><br />-Use JB Weld to cover the crack entirely, being sure to get some down into the crack and into the drilled holes. Let set-up then re-apply several coats, letting each set-up and with each coat a little larger/wider than the previous coat. <br /><br />-Sand down (Dremel tool again works well) to remove any "high spots" and to obtain a uniform appearance as best as possible<br /><br />-Repaint<br /><br />Once this is complete, be sure to refill with oil and check the lower unit to be sure no seals are leaking and that the cold weld worked efficiently.<br /><br />I used this process on a 3" crack that I accidentally got and the fix held for 3 years until I eventually sold the boat. I used the boat almost every weekend, so I am a believer in this method. Take special care to follow all the details above and you should end up with a like new lower unit, less the minor scar's appearance.<br /><br />I tried this as I could not afford a new lower unit and didn't have time to find a capable/cheap welder (the fish were biting)but was surprised at the results.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Coleman
