Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

[sksemke]

Hello, I just purchased a 1978 Glastron with an Evinrude 85 horse motor. I got the boat really cheap because it needs a new floor and the lower unit of the motor has a good size hole where it hit a rock. My question is what is the best way to repair the hole? I was thinking maybe fiberglass cloth & resin. Also I noticed there are 2 covers missing from each side of the motor, and I'm new to boating so have no idea what they are, there appears to be a piece of black rubber on each side that the covers cover and they say "this side out" I just need to know what the covers are called so I can get some new ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks, Scott

 

[DJ]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

You need a new lower unit. Patching holes in them is not usually succesful.

Got any pic's of your other issue?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Agreed. New lower unit most likely.
Pictures are worth a thousand words if you could post some.
Glad you got the boat cheap. How is the transom ????
Welcome to iboats.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Even better, use the BRP parts manual for your motor/model to get the correct part number, part name and location in addition to photographs,so that everyone is on the same page:


http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=e

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Yes......even better !!!!

 

[sksemke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Thanks for the info, I believe the covers I am missing are exhaust covers. Very disapointed to hear that the lower cant be fixed. Although I'm still not sure why rebuilding it with fiberglass wouldnt work, but like I said I'm new to boating, (I had to look up what a transom was..lol, its fine by the way) so I will trust your opinions.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

fiberglass sticking to aluminum is at best a dicey shot. The motor vibrates a lot and that will weaken the bond also. If the internals are good there are two possibilities. Take everything out of it and take it to a good welder and see if he can fix it. Or get a case and put your internals in it.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

?How big is the hole in the lower unit? I managed on an old Johnrude 20 using JB weld to repair a 1/4" hole in the lower unit casing. Preparation is absolutely everything though-you need the surface to be completely clean, well roughed up and totally grease free. It wont work on a hole any bigger than that though and you need to be able to access both sides of the hole to do it.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

I think the reason that some are waiting for pictures is that within reason a good welder can fix almost anything on a gearcase.

The exhaust cover is in the center between the cylinder heads. The four covers on the outsides of the four cylinders are bypass covers.

 

[sksemke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

I dont have anyway of posting pics right now. I work in a factory that has an excellent tool and die and welding shop, I'm going to take it in there and see if they can fix it.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

I dont have anyway of posting pics right now. I work in a factory that has an excellent tool and die and welding shop, I'm going to take it in there and see if they can fix it.

Probably. You'll need to remove the internals 1st though or the seals will cook.

 

[sksemke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Ok, Took into work and the guys in welding said they could fix it no problem, now I just have to get the inner components out. Anyone know of a website with instructions on how to do this? Thanks!!

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Ok, Took into work and the guys in welding said they could fix it no problem, now I just have to get the inner components out. Anyone know of a website with instructions on how to do this? Thanks!!

Buy a manual. Without one you'll break it stripping it.

 

[sksemke]

Re: Hole in lower unit! Please help!!

Ok, the manual is on its way. What am I getting myself into? How big of a job is it to strip the lower unit? I'm very mechanical and can fix almost anything on a car but Ive never touched a boat motor before.