Cracked lower unit questions???

[HammondTiger]

I changed my impeller this morning and noticed the lower unit has a crack in it. Can this be welded or will I have to start looking for a replacement?

 

[Marion Moore]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

Do a quick search. Someone had the same issue about a month ago. He got his welded. As long as the crack has not reached the oil holding area you can repair it.

 

[New2me]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

I would weld it up,At this point you dont have a lot to loose.Then change the oil.It looks like the crack hasent reached the backside of the exaust hub where the oil is so just go for it.

 

[Mas]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

If you do weld it, check the LU oil often. That's a pretty nasty crack. Any idea how it happened?

MAS

 

[Trent]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

Very common problem in saltwater Yammies.. Corrosion from the backside of the housing.

 

[tom351]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

ive repaired a couple like that before...make sure they put a clamp around it to pull it back down before welding.....

 

[HammondTiger]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

I think my little brother backed it up onto something because the prop has a "ding" in it now also.

I have a friend that owns a Fab shop that says he will weld it for me. He said that all the gears and stuff will have to be removed first. What tools are needed to do this? Is it a fairly simple task?

 

[UpforAllnight]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

Sorry to here about your lower unit. Wondering how long you ran the motor with a bent prop?

Have you taken off the prop to see if you bearing carrier is cracked?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

I think my little brother backed it up onto something because the prop has a "ding" in it now also.

I have a friend that owns a Fab shop that says he will weld it for me. He said that all the gears and stuff will have to be removed first. What tools are needed to do this? Is it a fairly simple task?

I really don't think that was from striking an object. Little brother may not be at blame. As mentioned, this happens to Yamahas from salt water corrosion around the bearing carrier. Seen on motors that are not flushed as well as could be, or motors not flushed with salt away. Unfortunately, the prop shaft is removed along with bearings, etc. to properly weld it. Someone who has had it done may be able to say if the job can be shortcut....good luck!

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

I purchased a boat with a 150hp yammie with the same crack in the lower unit.

It wasn't worth the worrying of having it "fixed", so I picked up an SEI lower unit for under $800 instead. Works great and NO FEAR!

I have heard of these being welded and some had no problems and others continually had to re-address the issue. That's why I chose to get a new lower unit instead. That's just me though!

Good luck with the repair, should you have it done! Please post your results if you do get it welded!

 

[HammondTiger]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

Sorry to here about your lower unit. Wondering how long you ran the motor with a bent prop?

Have you taken off the prop to see if you bearing carrier is cracked?

The blades of the prop are not bent,it's actually the center hub on one side has a slight bend in it. No telling how long it's been that way. The boat stays on a lift in our boathouse. This is only the second time in 2 years that it has been "off" the water.

 

[will941s]

Re: Cracked lower unit questions???

I had the same problem on my 89' Yamaha 150. It sat docked in the salt water and cracked around the exhaust housing. I had it welded and other than looking rough it works great and I hav'nt had a issue with it. I did'nt have to remove anything, and I say go with it.