Welding the outdrive????

[Fordiesel69]

I finally sourced the correct drive ratio 1.65:1 and noticed the back section there the anode fin goes it broken a bit. I know I can just swap the lower, but typically can a shop just weld a hunk of aluminum back on?

One local prop shop said they used to do skegs and other fins an stuff but found the composition of the cast aluminum to be so poor they got out of it.

Also I want a near perfect paint job like a pre alpha before powder coatings where invented. How should I go about it. I have car paint, and I have metal ready acid.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Welding the outdrive????

It can be welded but it's not easy to do. Most shops will shy away from it because the metal acts really old and dirty. It's hard to get a decent weld with good penetration without blowing it out. I've TIG'd them with 80\20 gas (Heliarc) and they come out o.k. but I would never do a skeg where somebodies life might be put at risk.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Welding the outdrive????

It should be no problem to weld a repair section to the area where the anode fin is. Depends on how big and thick a piece you're talking about whether it will take any special procedures or complete disassembly to protect the bearings and seals. That area is pretty remote, so it should be simple. If there's any corrosion, you'll have to clean all that up (sanblasting, cut it out, whatever) first.

Go here, scroll down to the "Factory Authorized Repainting Procedure". It will look and last better than new if you use a good urethane paint.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/servic...intenance/faqs/mercruiser/?category=technical

This thread has some pics of my re-welded, repainted outdrive.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=282896&highlight=lucky+skeg+break

I've TIG'd them with 80\20 gas (Heliarc) and they come out o.k. but I would never do a skeg where somebodies life might be put at risk.

How in the world would welding a skeg put someone's life at stake? In our lawyer-rich society, you really think anyone would risk selling replacement skegs and bolt-on skegs if there was a chance someone could get hurt if it crapped out? If it falls off, you won't even know it unless you pull the boat out of the water and look.

The year after I welded my skeg back on, I used it to hit some sunken object and broke ANOTHER gimbal ring! Didn't do anything to the skeg but take about a 2" deep chunk out of the leading edge at the lowest corner. I cut it back from the "bulletnose" with an angled cut to remove the notch and re-rounded the leading edge. Now I have a "racing skeg" with additional sweep on the leading edge!