cracked fins on lower unit?

[joulian]

My father was attempting to replace my water pump on on my (78) 25hp Evinrude. He had it in the garage with poor lighting ( an d poor eyesight ) while he was trying to get the shaft out so the lower unit would drop down he put a hairline crack on top of the fins ( Anticavitation plates?). He was using a rubber hammer. Its pretty much 3/4's of the length of those plates on each side of the lower unit.

Any suggestions on how to fix or what the consequences are if one of these things break off ( out of curiosity what the boat does ).

I am a little mad about it. We live an hour and a half away from each other, so he accepted fixing the thing for me in his spare time. I have a feeling its going to cost me more than I want it too?

Can you tig it?

 

[boobie]

Re: cracked fins on lower unit?

You can have them welded up with no prob. Don't be to mad at Dad, It's Father's Day and he was just trying to help you out.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: cracked fins on lower unit?

+1. A good aluminum welder can fix you right up. However, you'll probably need to repaint the repair afterwards, or you can just bolt on a new LU form a donor of the same color.

 

[boobie]

Re: cracked fins on lower unit?

Welding and painting is eaisier.

 

[joulian]

Re: cracked fins on lower unit?

I can tig, never done a boat unit though... is it pure aluminum? My dad said its not pure AL. He is in his 60's he might know what he is talking about only it might be from early 70's back.... I personally am just getting into watersports so I have no idea the make up of the 78 model engine...

If i tig it any thing to be cautious of ?