3" Crack in lower unit, repair or replace?

Recently purchased an older 261 Mako with twin 1989 Yamaha 200's.

The left engine has a 3 inch crack located at the 3:00 position, where the most forward portion of the propeller meets the case, at the edge and progresses forward 3 inches. The crack is approx. 1/8 gapped at the corner where it meets the edge of the prop.

The previous owner said he ran it like that for some time and claimed it was cosmetic...I didn't think so, so I'm considering having it welded, then grinding it flush and repainting the unit.

Is this a suitable repair to consider?

If not where can one find good used lower units for these dinosours?

[boats.net]

It could probably be welded but the crack is probably from corrosion on inside of housing and may crack again.

[Timmstng67]

Lower unit crack

Dose it look similar to my attached picture of a 1985 90hp lower unit, I had to weld mine at the beginning of the season and it has held up so far. I did have to unscrew the locking ring that holds the gear assembly in and clean the threads of corrosion I then left the locking ring out and used a set of chain pliers to pull crack back together, with the locking ring out you are able to see the threads and insure the they line back up, when I was done the locking nut went back in by hand much to my surprise .

The lower unit being cracked is more than cosmetic because it is threaded for the locking ring that hold the gear assembly in place. If you would like to see a picture of the repaired lower unit I can post it this weekend.

Tim

Yes!

The crack is nearly identical to yours only slightly less curved.

The repair action you described seems like the best solution as well.

Please attach a pic of the repair if you can.

Thank you for your help!

Chris

[Timmstng67]

Hi

I will get that picture to you, the one I have is to large to download to this sight I will take another one tomorrow.

Tim

yam 70 same crack

I have a yam 70 hp with same crack in the lower gear case at about 3 o'clock. What welding materials were used in your repair....what stock??

Also same crack

I have also the same crack in the Housing.
Yam 55HP built in 1979
wich welding must be jused Al Mg/5 or what can it be.
Thanks and greetings from germany.