I found cracks on the top of my motor under the stator

[Bobobrob]

The other day I was out on my j12 powered by a 1999 Johnson 25hp J25eleed model. I noticed around 5600 rpm it started making an intermittent sound as if the starter was engaging the flywheel. I assume something is loose or the bearing is going.

today I popped off the flywheel and about 4-5” from the crankshaft I noticed a couple of small cracks on the outside of the aluminum power head.

I don’t imagine it’s normal but I’m hoping it’s nothing to worry about. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas about the cracks or the sound? Thanks

 

[racerone]

That would be a thick , thick layer of paint that cracked.

 

[Bobobrob]

No

That would be a thick , thick layer of paint that cracked.

I thought the same at first so I ran a razor on one of the edges, it’s definitely aluminum

 

[racerone]

I guess the bock needs work or replacement.

 

[oldboat1]

Pull off the ignition plate and support. Clean up underneath and try some Marine Tex in all cracks. It's useful stuff, and should give you some more use. Upon reassembly, you might pull off the stator and ignition sensor, and fit the stator exactly flush with the machined edges of the mounting posts. The sensor looks like it might be due for replacement.

 

[racerone]

I have seen this before.----Sure looks like cracked paint to me !!!

 

[oldboat1]

Either way, Marine Tex can be part of the solution. Apply with a little pressure and smooth out. Sand, prime and paint. (Actually, sand first as part of clean up, then wipe down with acetone -- then sand and finish.)

 

[ShoestringMariner]

That sure doesn’t look like aluminum. It’s tearing like composite or hard rubber. Crazy. I’ve never seen aluminum do that. Looks like somebody sealed up the block and hooked it up to 125psi....

watching this thread with interest

 

[racerone]

Too much paint applied and it cracked., just run the motor !

 

[Crosbyman]

you know.. a long time ago I was on a management course
SOLVING JOB PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS.....

RULE#1 If an issue ( ex: situation , appearance, bad habit) does not affect job performance don't try to solve it !

we all know it as......... If it works don't fix it

 

[ahicks]

If the crankcase were actually cracked, there'd be a big mess in that area. As long as it's dry, there's no issue.

 

[racerone]

Robby has had 4 days to ---" repair "---Thus we wait for the outcome.

 

[ct1762@gmail.com]

the "intermittent" running at WOT could very well be a sick sensor coil as olboat mentioned. that giant puddle of black goop might be a sign something is amiss... no pun intended. also, looks like that crank taper needs a good clean n' lap before re-assembly!

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Too much paint applied and it cracked., just run the motor !

I see it now. Like somebody poured in a ton of paint on top. Quarter inch thick or more. Split like dried Jell-O

 

[racerone]

I have seen too much paint on many motors and cracked like that.----But others will argue !

 

[ShoestringMariner]

I have seen too much paint on many motors and cracked like that.----But others will argue !

Why do they put so much on? That’s thick!

 

[racerone]

??---I have seen it many times.----Ask the folks on the paint line if they cared.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

??---I have seen it many times.----Ask the folks on the paint line if they cared.

Clearly they didn’t. I’d like to know how they painted these, no idiot with a spray gun could “accidentally” put that much paint on the top.
I can’t see them “pouring” paint on top.
Odd

 

[racerone]

No ---Modern factory does not use an entry level worker with a spray gun.-----Paint line / electrostatic charge / powder coating / ETC.-----I do not have enough fingers and toes to count how many times I have seen that !!!

 

[oldboat1]

Last part of #5, I think, for the noise issue. For the cracks -- light up a cigar, and with the motor running blow some smoke at the powerhead. If it gets sucked in at those cracks, there is an issue. If not, you're just standing there blowin' smoke....