1956 Fleetwin 7.5 Cracked lower unit

[gilgre74]

Good evening everyone! I'm new to the forum. I recently purchased my grandfather's boat from a family estate sale. I've never worked on outboards but I am a helicopter mechanic so I have a little mechanical ability. I am working on getting the 7.5 Fleetwin outboard running. The original plan was to replace the water pump, rebuild the carburetor, replace fuel lines, spark plugs, coils, etc. Today I removed the lower unit and replaced the water pump. I then went to replace the gear oil in the lower unit and found two cracks in the gear housing. My question is: Does anyone know if I can buy a replacement housing or any good ways to repair the one I have? Is there anything else I should look at while I have the gear housing apart? This motor has some sentimental value to me so I'm trying to do my best to get it running again.

 

[boobie]

You can repair that crack by either welding it or repairing it with Marine-Tex. Done it both ways. Pressure and vacuum check when done.

 

[F_R]

If you do want to replace it, know that the upper and lower parts are a matched set. You are not supposed to mix them up, but some people do and sometimes even get away with it. It shouldn't be hard to find a used one. Heck, I have a couple of them myself. Post a free want ad on the Classified ads forum at the Antique Outboard Club's website www.aomci.org

 

[Chinewalker]

You may be able to weld it. Care should be taken to keep the housing from warping from heat. Also, the castings tend to be quite porous and will spit a bit as the 60 years worth of oil soaking gets heated out of the casting during welding. Your welder may curse you for it...

 

[gilgre74]

Thanks guys. I ordered some Marine Tex and am going to try that first. If that doesn't hold I will get someone to weld it.

 

[gilgre74]

Does anyone have a parts diagram for the lower unit on this engine? Model number is 7520.

 

[F_R]

No Title

Here ya go....

 

[gilgre74]

Thank you!