Cracked upper gear housing

[scubapro69]

Hi, I have a 1990 17.5' sunbird corsair with a 2.3l omc motor and outdrive. I went outside to run it about a week ago and found my upper gear housing cracked. I live in florida and have had a couple of freezes lately but I dont think this is a water jacket. I have had my drive off last year and I'm pretty sure the cavity where this is cracked is where my shifter is. If this is the case did water get in there and wasnt supposed to and froze and cracked it? I have priced upper units and they go for about $1,500. My other question is, can i have this welded? or do i need a new a new gear housing? I have included some pictures and any help would be greatly appriciated. TY

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Cracked upper gear housing

PM`d you ,check your messages.
Either freeze or impact damage.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Cracked upper gear housing

Water intrusion and freeze or build up of corrosion. Yes that is the cavity where your shifter is.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: Cracked upper gear housing

Or it wasn't torqued properly...tightened one side more than the other.
Or the surface wasn't clean.

Either way, I think it can be welded. Plan on replacing any rubber parts near the weld area.
The heat from welding will melt or deteriorate them.

 

[wire2]

Re: Cracked upper gear housing

That can be welded. Just have to "V" the crack, remove all paint and corrosion ?" along the crack, and gently hammer the protruding edge back in.

Lincoln has a line of processor controlled mig machines that allow aluminum welding as fast and clean as steel mig welding, with far less total heat into the part than a tig weld. Try to find a shop that has one.

 

[scubapro69]

Re: Cracked upper gear housing

Ty very much for your input.