'69 Evinrude 33HP: Found cracks while servicing water pump (pics)

[i386]

I pulled the lower unit yesterday (no broken bolts this time!) and found a couple of cracks. I believe these to be in non-critical areas and repairable with some J-B Weld. What do you guys think?

Lower unit removed


Small crack in housing


Same crack, different view



Crack under the impeller plate


Another view



I might add that only about a teaspoon of water came out with the lower unit oil when I drained it. It wasn't milky.

[rickdb1boat]

I think you should host your pics at photobucket.com...

[Paul Moir]

That's frost damage from water that collects in those pockets. I've seen it quite a few times but it doesn't seem to hurt anything. They don't ever seem to get any worse.


I go kind of nuts sealing the impeller wear plate to keep the water out of the big pockets. I suppose it might make better sense to drill or mill little drainage slots.

While you've got it apart and we're on the subject, make sure the passage at the very bottom of the exhaust cavity is clear. That one runs right down through the lower unit and exits on the side just above the "bullet" through a little 3/16 or so hole. Water freezing in there can cause much nastier damage.

[i386]

I go kind of nuts sealing the impeller wear plate to keep the water out of the big pockets.

I'm glad you mentioned sealing the impeller plate. My manual says use "sealer No. 1000". I assume this product is no longer available. What is a suitable equivilant?

Oh and thanks for the other tip. I will check that as well.

[F_R]

If the cracks are between the water intake and exhaust areas, it will kill the water pump suction and it won't pump.

[mcallan]

Well if the cracks concern you! I have a brand new still in the box original empty gearcase for that. Mike

[Paul Moir]

Sealant - whatever's going. Besides silicone of course. Many very good techs don't use any sealant there at all, and I've got doubts that OMC ever used it from the factory.

I don't see the infamous web crack that allows exhaust gasses in. But I don't think that was caused by freezing anyway.

This is what happens if that little drain at the bottom gets plugged:

It's not terminal but it's a lot of work to fix.

test