Skeg Repair

[rkrasean]

I have a 1961 5.5HP Evinrude. It runs great but I have discovered a hairline crack in the skeg and it's leaking oil. Can I just remove the skeg for repair or do I need to remove the entire lower unit? I know that entails removing the powerhead. So it could be a bigger job than I want. Please advise.

 

[oldboat1]

Skeg on your motor is part of the lower half of the gearcase. Drain the gearcase and remove the lower unit. Invert the lower unit in a vise, and remove the lower part (half with the skeg). Will need to remove the phillips head screw to fully remove.

Clean it up with solvent, and examine damage. You may want a machine shop to repair it.

I auppose you could remove the lower half of the gearcase without removing the lower unit. Would drain the case, then invert the whole motor in a vise (shopmate or similar) -- follow above instructions from there.

 

[racerone]

It likely had water in it and froze.----So take it apart for full inspection of gears , shafts and bushings.---May need a seal kit too.

 

[oldboat1]

^+1. Good point!

 

[rkrasean]

Skeg on your motor is part of the lower half of the gearcase. Drain the gearcase and remove the lower unit. Invert the lower unit in a vise, and remove the lower part (half with the skeg). Will need to remove the phillips head screw to fully remove.

Clean it up with solvent, and examine damage. You may want a machine shop to repair it.

I auppose you could remove the lower half of the gearcase without removing the lower unit. Would drain the case, then invert the whole motor in a vise (shopmate or similar) -- follow above instructions from there.

Thanks for the advice. This does sound like alot of work for a 60 year old motor but I will look into it. May end up taking it somewhere.

 

[rkrasean]

Thanks to all for the advice. I may end up taking it somewhere for repair. The motor is 60 years old so I am not sure if it's even worth it.

 

[racerone]

The cost of labor might shock you.----Many of those motor are just in excellent shape if used as a fishing motor.-----I would rather use one of these than any " full of plastic and electronics " new motors.

 

[oldboat1]

probably got it for a reasonable price; sell it the same way.