Came home today and received a great big kick in between the legs…at least that’s what it felt like when I seen oil pouring out of my lower unit around a box like crack… granted it’s my fault for not checking for water more often. Needless to say tourny season is here and would like to still make things happen so I need suggestions.
I sent happy Bob the pic to see if he thought it was weldable. Anyone know of this being a normal fix. Tear it down weld it up then rebuild or is this thing trashed???
If it’s trashed anyone have a lead on an 1983 evinrude lower unit? Or suggestions on cheapest place to find one? Think interchangeable yrs are 1980-98. But that seems like a large number of yrs to be interchangeable. Model# is E115TLCT so that’s an 83’ 20" shaft which is classified as long.
Man that sucks, have you tried posting it in the boats and motors section. I’m still going back and forth to the old house for the next couple weeks, if you need it dropped off somewhere further south, id be glad to take it.
Thanks guys. The more I read and look at the crack and where it is located I am thinking this LU may be scrap. Got a lead on one locally but won’t know for sure til thur/fri…
Tom when you wanna go to that lanier boat yard…that looks fun. Would be nice to find me a windshield there…ha
Chip, I got your picture while I was at work. Clean it up and give me a call. I’ve welded a few with no problems. Worse case scenario, I heat up the oil seals and they would have to be replaced.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
That sucks Chip. I wouldn’t be surprised if that part translates to that many years of interchangeability. That is common with Evinrude/Johnson- thankfully, because I have one, too.
Jim Forrester in Piedmont has lots of old boats and motors. He has always been very helpful and reasonable. The two numbers I have for him are 864-270-3550 and 864-845-5526. Good luck.
Sorry to see that happen. How did it? Was it water back logged in the water jacket form being stored tilted up after removing it out of the water? I always drain the water jacket out the prop once out of the water. Or did you hit something in the river?
Earlier in the yr I noticed some water starting to get into the foot. Kept checking and didn’t seem to bad. (Yes any water is bad) but I kept saying I would get around to it. I always store the motor down. But I guess eventually it got too much water in it and then it froze and busted Monday night.
Waiting to here back from a guy who may have a deal for me. If it doesn’t sound like a deal to me Happy Bob is gonna weld it and I will go from there.
I already have the seal kit for the entire foot (remember I was gonna get around to it). Thinking about tearing it down anyway tonight. Anyone ever done a seal job on a foot? What kind of skill level is involved in a job like this. I did one once on a 15hp and it wasn’t too bad but there were no bearings and stuff like that. I am sure a 115 is a little more involved.
Bob take a look at these pics. We may not even try a weld. It looks alot worse since I was able to get it off the boat and cleaned up a little.
Also directly behind where it busted is the main cog on the drive shaft…that’s probably not a good place to have a weak spot. I don’t know. You can see the drive shaft spin, there is no grinding or play and from what I can see moving looks good. There was zero metal shaving on the plug by the way.
I really feel for you Chip. When I got home today, I had to check mine. After Saturday fishing and knowing the polar surge was coming, I drained my foot 10 minutes before putting on the tote and put a big heavy duty vinyl bag on the lower unit before trimming down when I dumped the trailer at home.
Everything was alright, but your troubles surely can make anyone wonder. Again, I’m sorry to read of your predicament.
Foot is off and tore down as far as I can go until I can get a prop shaft carrier puller or something equivalent tomorrow. So far everything looks good inside. May just bite the bullet and get a new case and put all my guts in it if I can’t find a foot…lol…i am kinda enjoying tearing this thing down, but hate that I am doing it cause I have to. Wish this was for experimenting.
This is way to big of a job for JB weld. Have heard of people using it but usually on smaller cracks or pin holes.
Chip,
It’s definitely a pretty big crack. From looking at the pictures, I think I could weld it for you. I’d like to take a look at it and see. If it saves you from having to buy another lower unit, it might be worth it to try. Let me know. I could do it this weekend.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Ok Bob sounds good. I should have it the rest of the way apart tomorrow and may try to steam clean it at work if I get the chance. Either way it will be clean ready for you to work some magic…
Only that had me wondering is the bulge from the crack. But should be able to tap it in once everything is out and we can see up in it.
