small crack in the lower end unit

[quackenbushjason]

I have a murc 85 HP, not sure of the year. I noticed a small crack at the very botom of the lower unit, it must have happened last year after hitting a rock. I tried to change the oil and found that it now leaks, not really bad, if i let it sit it would probably take about a weak to completely drian it. I am fairly new to boating so i am not sure how bad this is and the best way o fix it. I have thought of a few things : buy a new motor, however this one works just fine except for the crack, find a new lower unit and replace it, not sure how much that would cost, or try to weld it. I will leave it open for you guys, any info would be great, thanks.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: small crack in the lower end unit

There are some welding shops that could repair the unit if it is in the right place.

I would personally determine the year of the motor and find a used casing at a salvage yard. This would be your least expensive option.

You shouldn't float it if it is leaking; if oil can leak out, water can and will leak in. Water is not good for lower unit gears.

Be sure to rebuild the water pump while she is apart.​

 

[Chris1956]

Re: small crack in the lower end unit

I think I would go with the welding option, if the LU does not need to be disassembled, since that job stinks. It is head to get the bearing carrier out of the LU, and to install the moving parts into a new casing requires shimming of the bearings and gears to the correct clearances.