Merc 1976 1150--- WELDING A NEW SKEG ON

[cturboaddict]

I'm going to remove my lower unit which has a skeg clearly sheared off and take it to my shop and weld a new one on. Was wondering if anyone has done this before, and should I leave the oil in the lower unit or remove it for welding? Do I have to take out the internals or no? I've got a very qualified welder, who can control his weld very well.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc 1976 1150--- WELDING A NEW SKEG ON

I had mine done by a qualified welder, I left the gear oil in it. No issues at all. If the welder wants you to drain it, see if you can get another welder, as the seals can melt under the heat of the welder, if the earcase is dry.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: Merc 1976 1150--- WELDING A NEW SKEG ON

Thanks! I was wondering how fast the heat would spread if I drained it. I've got some qualified welders at work, and we can take our time to do this if need be.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Merc 1976 1150--- WELDING A NEW SKEG ON

There is a chance that when the case is heated the oil will expand enough to force itself past the seals on the propshaft, driveshaft, and shiftshaft. You might want to change it after the welding is done, prior to using the motor. The heat may cause the oil to oxidize.

 

[cturboaddict]

Re: Merc 1976 1150--- WELDING A NEW SKEG ON

There is a chance that when the case is heated the oil will expand enough to force itself past the seals on the propshaft, driveshaft, and shiftshaft. You might want to change it after the welding is done, prior to using the motor. The heat may cause the oil to oxidize.

Definitely will!!! Would you recc that when its upside down for the welding, pulling the plug yet leaving the fluid in to allow air/heat to escape?