How do I fix small hole in outdrive from rock shoal strike?

[gsmeade]

I have a 1990 Bayliner capri with a OMC 3.0L and hit a rock shoal pretty hard. It punched a small hole in the very front of my outdrive (basically the opposite end of the prop) resulting in the loss of all of the oil ofcourse but no other damage, prop is fine. However there seemed to be a fair amount of engine oil in the bilge, not sure why? I was going to drain any remaining oil have it TIG welded closed (hole is about 1/16 wide X 1/8 long) and refill it. Is there any thing else I should do? Is there something I can use to flush the oil and water from the outdrive? Is there something else I should be looking for? Should I remove the seals before welding? Any help would be great.

 

[Boats-A-lots]

Re: How do I fix small hole in outdrive from rock shoal strike?

Not sure why there would be motor oil in the bilge area unless you hit hard enough to jar something loose. You should be able to find where it's leaking from very easy by looking for signs of oil on the motor.

There are no doubt 10 ways or more to patch this hole, or even replace the lower casing. You have to do what you feel is best and reasonable to your wallet. I have seen J B weld do amazing things, and all for around 5 bucks! Sounds backwoods I know, but think of it as car bondo. It can be sanded, painted and holds forever.

What or how ever you patch it, I would try to get all the oil and water out I could as fast as I could. Refill your outdrive with fresh oil, run your boat a while in the water, (day or two) change outdrive oil again, run it some more. Repeat if your 2nd oil change looks milky.

This is what I would do, but it may not be the right way.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How do I fix small hole in outdrive from rock shoal strike?

I have a 1990 Bayliner capri with a OMC 3.0L and hit a rock shoal pretty hard. It punched a small hole in the very front of my outdrive (basically the opposite end of the prop) resulting in the loss of all of the oil ofcourse but no other damage, prop is fine. However there seemed to be a fair amount of engine oil in the bilge, not sure why? I was going to drain any remaining oil have it TIG welded closed (hole is about 1/16 wide X 1/8 long) and refill it. Is there any thing else I should do? Is there something I can use to flush the oil and water from the outdrive? Is there something else I should be looking for? Should I remove the seals before welding? Any help would be great.

Howdy,


I would plan to replace the "lower". You can probably GTAW weld the hole but the drive should probably be completely disassembled to do it and I wouldn't count on not warping the casting enough to screw up the internal alignment which may already be screwed up from the impact..

I suppose you don't have a LOT to lose welding it. It's also hard to do it since the casting is contaminated and hard to get clean enough. (it has been done)

If you have (drive) oil in the bilge you probably have a leak in the upper too. Which makes it suspect as well (probably not related to the impact) When was the last time the drive was removed and the alignment checked? (recommended every year by Mercury and Volvo I think)

You're in the "experimental" area with this. Good Luck.