Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

[pugs]

Hi all,

I have a 1960s era Mercury 350 35HP Outboard that has a cracked lower. See attached pictures. I'm curious if this may be welded or if I should plan on buying a new lower? The rest of the motor is fine - runs perfectly.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

I would say yes it can be welded but it will also have to have the threds chased on the inside and any sealing areas may need to be machined.

 

[pugs]

Re: Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

Thank you for the reply.

 

[hotrod53]

Re: Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

There are guys who get them welded and then pin the threaded ring, personally I wouldn't bother. Mine looked exactly like that, it is caused by water getting in the unit because of bad seals, winter comes, it freezes, and there you have it. By the time you weld it, reseal it, and then try to get it back together, you could have bought a used one. Even if you're sucessful, it will be hoakie at best .. JMHO.

I replaced mine for $150 and I never looked back, Ebay is your friend. Look up on top of the casing by the water pump and get the casting number, it will be something like #1643-6037. Measure the shaft, count the splines, and note if it has a preload pin on top, someone will match it up for you.

 

[pugs]

Re: Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

Thanks much. Good idea. I think I will go with the used lower rather than weld it.

 

[hotrod53]

Re: Cracked Lower - Can it be welded?

Many of these guys on Ebay are used parts resellers, based on the info that I gave you and telling them what it is off of, I think you will find a match. It's always a good idea to ask if it was pressure tested, that will tell you if the seals are good. Also remember, the replacement may not be the same casting number, mine wasn't. The only difference was that the replacement has a speedo pickup hole and the original did not. For the $150 I even got a like new spare prop!