welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

[boatster]

So I'm going to get my er.... Mercury (Suzuki) driveshaft either replaced or welded. Has anyone had their <br />driveshaft rewelded after it being cut in half? If so can it be rewelded with the lower driveshaft still in the lower unit? Or does it have to be taken out? And how much should I expect to pay for a weld job? Thanks again. <br /><br />Another question. How strong is a weldjob on a driveshaft assuming it is straight and true? (its a 30 hp)<br /><br />Adam (AKA: Mr. Stuckdriveshaft guy)

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

As an Aerospace, Marine industry fabricator and weldor with about 22 years of experince in business.......NO! Now I must qualify that. Yes it can be welded but the tensil strength and tuffness won't be there and it will fail shortly after installing it. In adddition, the shaft would have to be milled with a v in it and held in a jig perfectly alighned to length. The original shaft is forged, possibly tempered and probably ballanced too. Keep in mind the torq loads and rpm this shaft spins at...I know you've probably seen the sky high prices for this product, and this is why you're trying to make do..but not in this case..try a marine salvage yard for this part.

 

[boatster]

Re: welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

Thanks FlyBoyMark,<br /><br />I'll do what you suggest and get a new driveshaft. I too am hesitant about such a job but the savings are so tempting. however my safety is not worth that!<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />Adam

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

Actually, you CAN weld a driveshaft, but it MUST be removed from the unit prior to welding. A good machinist can put it in a lathe, bore the centers to accept a steel pin, then weld it to the proper length. We've been doing it on racing motors for years - no lack of torque on these shafts, either, and they hold up fine. The key is to keep it all aligned and to have it done by someone who knows what they're doing....<br />- Scott

 

[Dhadley]

Re: welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

We've done it for years also. No problem if its done as Chinewalker describes.

 

[boatster]

Re: welding cut driveshafts, anyone had one done?

Ah I see. Well I wonder how much that'll cost me? I called the dealer and they quoted the driveshaft at $140 so if I lathe then weld the savings might not be that significant. Its good to know that they can be welded. How long does the steel pin have to be if its a longshaft driveshaft? I wish I had a lathe right now. I took a machine shop course awhile ago, it was fun.<br />Thanks for the info guys.<br /><br />Adam