lower unit crack-hollow area?

[spartanpele]

1994 Four Winns, 3.0L, OMC/Cobra/VP <br /><br />I'm in the process of getting a new engine installed and my mechanic emailed me to let me know that he inspected the lower unit when removing it, and my lower unit has a small crack. <br /><br />He sent me a picture of the crack and it appears to start right at the small weap hole and is 1-2 inches long. Theres no water in the drive oil, and theres no oil leaking out. <br /><br />It almost looks as though the crack was already sealed some how as the crack itself is rusted and smooth, not abrasive, as if someone welded it or patched it. <br /><br /><br />My question is, is it possible the crack is in the hollow-cavity area and not really a problem? <br /><br />If its not leaking oil and no water is in the drive oil, is there any cause for concern now?<br /><br />The mechanic is going to have an OMC mechanic look at it just to be sure, but I'm curious as to what everyone here thinks.<br /> <br />Thoughts?

 

[tommays]

Re: lower unit crack-hollow area?

Without a photo its very hard to even be sure what area of the drive your talking about <br /><br />tommays

 

[spartanpele]

Re: lower unit crack-hollow area?

Heres a picture of the crack...<br /><br /> http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/spartanpele/lowerunit.jpg

 

[spartanpele]

Re: lower unit crack-hollow area?

My mechanic emailed this morning. <br /><br />He had his OMC supplier (former OMC mechanic)look over the crack in the lower unit. They both agreed, since its not leaking gear lube and no water is present in the oil, its probably fine. <br /><br />If it starts leaking, they recommended using JB weld on the crack, then using MarineTex (epoxy) over it. Thats kind of the direction I figured, but now I've two others saying the same thing, so I'm fine with it.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: lower unit crack-hollow area?

Should marine tex it before it could potentally leak cause gittin that 'tex to stay on requires a dry,NON-OILY surface which is what you have NOW!