Outboard engine repair - lower unit

[Lindley]

This looks like a fun repair, huh?



It is my buddy's lower unit on a boat he just picked up. The engine has just been rebuilt and purrs like a kitten, but there is some damage to the lower unit that I have been elected by unanimous vote to try and repair.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture before I started to clean up someone else's FIRST attempt at welding this some time ago (which didn't hold at all). I think the culprit might be the guy below because it looked a whole lot like pigeon $hit!! haha



Having said that, I might not do much better! I am working with a Millermatic 211 and a Spoolmate. Wish me luck!

(No doubt, I have a feeling my work will be ground flat and painted.)

[duaneb55]

I picked up where someone else left off on one of these. They hadn't properly cleaned the material at the joint and was also missing a small piece. I should have cut it off and fit a new solid piece in and shaped as needed after welded. Would have been much easier and quicker in the long run.

[Showdog75]

I've done a few of those. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...sionKing/page2

[Lindley]

I've done a few of those. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...sionKing/page2

That's nice lookin' work!


Here is my start before I have to shut it down for the night... go the wifey taking me out somewhere to eat for my birthday.

It's not as pretty as you tig boys, but I think I can piece this back together. The biggest problem will be were the anode goes in place. That is a HUGE hole. There is an aftermarket cavitation (sp?) plate that bolts on, hence the holes. I wonder if I even need to fill in this hole. ?? I probably better. Maybe I'll cut a little jigsaw piece and weld it in place.

Here is a shot of the first pass. Again, no nearly as pretty as a TIG weld!

[aametalmaster]

I do some of those every summer. For the big holes i just lay it on a piece of clean steel and weld over it, instant patch...Bob

[cruizer]

what the boat guys appear to do here is put a copper backing strip behind the repair (big hole) and with a spoolgun and preheat, weld to both sides of the crack till its gone then machine the unit to spec.

[PA Weldor]

replacement Skegs can be bought. They are of the same grade aluminum as the lower units. Simply cut to match your repair area.

Here's a link from one supplier:

http://www.iboats.com/Lower-Unit-Rep...view_id.217150

[Danno]

Your welding cast aluminum with mig? What are you using for wire?

That needs to be tig welded.

[big mike]

Thread from January guys, revived by a spammer.