225 cracked lower unit!

[Just Pete]

Insight please.......I have a 2007 225 pushing a RIBCRAFT 7.8. I have driven these types of boats since 1990 for Uncle Sam and spec'd one for personal use, especially during California Lobster season. 2 or 3 others have been at the helm other than myself but they were under my supervision. I had a major service last year, not the first, and when I took it out I had to call vessel assist because loss of drive, not engine power. Took it back to Honda service and they said it was good to go. Took it on a joy ride with kids 4 months ago and then 3 days ago had it on the water, heard a knocking sound then lost all drive. Pulled it out and my lower unit is cracked from intake to bottom of unit. It was serviced at 112 hours and transmission blew at 120 hrs..........Other than having serious talk with guys who serviced it last, any recommendations, history of similar happenings, places for me to purchase if I have to pay?

I didn't hit anything and sans O2 sensor warranty fix I have had no issues!

Pete

 

[Grub54891]

Re: 225 cracked lower unit!

Wondering if the service tech put enough oil in? Sounds like it ate up some bearings,locked up and broke the case. Pretty hard to prove if it was low on oil.

 

[Just Pete]

Re: 225 cracked lower unit!

I am thinking that as well or improper reassembly if that is possibly. I had problems within 2 hours after service and had to call vessel assist and upon their reinspect found no problems. I hope that they do the right thing, as I will pursue this until I am satisfied. Not saying I am not willing to go out of pocket, but there should be a shared cost to fix. Unless gear case assemblies blowing up is normal wear and tear 8 hours after major service.

 

[MattFL]

Re: 225 cracked lower unit!

I think you have to take a look at the crack to determine if it was caused by mechanical failure inside the case, or perhaps started with corrosion or some other physical issue .it is rare, but casting problems can occur. With so few hours on the engine there is no reason to do any maintenance on the gearcase other than change the oil.so if the shop did anything wrong with the service, the only thing I can think of would be not filling it all the way with oil, or not tightening the drain or fill screw allowing water inside. did you check to see if both screws were in place and tight before bringing it back to the service center? I think the key is to have a professional determine the cause of the crack.