Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

Note the pic of my 40hp Johnson motor, showing the rear left of the cowl.
Both the left and right sides of the cowl are slightly deformed to the inside.
Neither rear corner will go over the bottom mount.

The motor was not used for a couple of years, and the cowl was left off.
Apparently, it somehow deformed at the rear so that it won't go over the
bottom lip fully. I have tried to enlarge the rear width by putting a slightly
larger piece of wood in it, and letting it sit overnight, but that didn't work.

Any suggestions on how to get it back in shape?

Thanks.

Re: Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

Sounds funny, i have used hoods left floating around for years. Try to lubricate the rubber seal libs with silicone, make sure it is properly aligned in front, you should be able to force it down, then.

Re: Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

I'm assuming that the cowling is plastic; I'm into the antique stuff (aluminum). The trick I use for plastic is heat. When I was younger I hit my bosses bumper (plastic) leaving a serious depression. I took a hairdryer and heated it up until it was barely pliable, and then popped it out.

The only differences I suspect would be: 1.) the difference in the rigidity of the plastics. 2.) The bumper's color was molded into the plastic, if your cowling is painted it might spider (crack).

I would try fitting one side on and heating the entire back and top-back (basically the areas you are going to be elongating). The harder the plastic, the hotter the plastic should be. You might need a heat gun if you have to cover a large area of brittle plastic. Enough heat to slowly free the material without allowing it to loose its integrity.

I'm sure one of the pros here could tell you more. I've done some plastic fabrication, but I don't the type of plastic your cowling is made from.

-Josh

Re: Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

We had to deal with deformed fiberglass parts all the time, apply heat, gently to warm it thru completely. A hair drier etc. Leave it blowing inside for a while.

Then if its too narrow just squeeze it front and rear to widen it, immediately plonk it in place , lock it and leave it to cool.

Re: Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

That does not look so bad you should be able to fit that on with a little elbow grease When I have motor covers that dont cooperate i like to lean on them from the top and push at the sides where necessary then closing the back clamp then the front

Re: Motor cowl is deformed - how to fix?

check to see if there is any thing under the cowl preventing it from going down any further, It looks like the same motor i have and if things are not in just the right place the cowl doesn't fit correctly. I once had a problem with the pick-eye on top of the motor being slightly turned and it created simular problems.