View Full Version : Merc problem
Paul12
06-20-2008, 01:10 PM
I have a 60hp 4-stroke merc. Today while fishing I saw a hole in the port side of the lower cowling and it looked burnt. When I got home I took off the cowling and noticed a hole had formed where exhaust was coming through. It is located at the gasket between the drive housing and the adapter plate. Can I fix this hole with an aluminum repair or JB weld? Can the cowling be patched easily? What would cause this? I want to know what caused it before I repair it. Thanks.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1724.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1730.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1731.jpg
Boat Doc'
06-20-2008, 03:41 PM
I would contact your dealer before you attempt to patch it. It may be warranty depending on it's age
saltfisher
06-20-2008, 03:43 PM
Crap Sir, that's a total bummer. Man, you have had some strange problems with that motor over the past few years. Is there any kind of rot around the hole at all, or does it seem to be a puncture wound form a blowback? From the pic it looks like corrosion of some sort. I'd start by figuring out that part first. Definitely don't repair it until you find out what is happening. When you store your boat these days are you allowing your safety chains to rest on the ground? I've seen it with my own eyes this past year. Doing so creates an earth ground with your boat and causes the aluminum and other metals to corrode really really fast. Usually the corrosion will start at a week point. That spot could have been a weak point. I'd have a pro look at it man, I know you don't want to hear that, but I would get a mofessional opinion. That could be happening other places. Give you boat a good look over and see if any other areas are showing signs of corrosion, especially of a green color. Oh, but you can look past that big old scratch on the side. ;)
Bob
I have a 60hp 4-stroke merc. Today while fishing I saw a hole in the port side of the lower cowling and it looked burnt. When I got home I took off the cowling and noticed a hole had formed where exhaust was coming through. It is located at the gasket between the drive housing and the adapter plate. Can I fix this hole with an aluminum repair or JB weld? Can the cowling be patched easily? What would cause this? I want to know what caused it before I repair it. Thanks.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1724.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1730.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/skredsvig82/IMG_1731.jpg
fishkisser
06-21-2008, 08:31 AM
If its not covered yank it apart , build it up with a welder and file it down ...
It will be hard to get it to seal with epoxy type compounds ...:twocents:
Paul12
06-21-2008, 02:56 PM
It is not under warrenty. I have it pulled apart. it looks like if I clean it up around the area I could have someone weld it and it should fix it. Still not sure why it did that except it looks like corrosion so I will probably end up buying a new part.
saltfisher
06-24-2008, 10:22 AM
Hey Paul, I got two welders in the garage and no idea how to use either of them. Tow that thing down here and lets learn how to use them!!! ;)
Bob
It is not under warrenty. I have it pulled apart. it looks like if I clean it up around the area I could have someone weld it and it should fix it. Still not sure why it did that except it looks like corrosion so I will probably end up buying a new part.
Hey Saltfisher,
Would'nt beaching your boat at the lake create the same grounding as your safety chains touching the ground?
I really don't know. Understand, my knowledge of electricity is that you have to have the flashlight batteries pointing the right way and when you flick the wall switch the kitchen light is supposed to come on.:help:
Chesapeake
06-24-2008, 02:18 PM
It doesnt look like corrosion to me. If it was corrosion why woul dit be so localized? Why would effect one piece of aluminum on one side of the gasket, but not the other piece on the other side.
Looking at the pics it looks to like part of the block broke off, likely from a casting deffect, and then the exhaust gasses caused some burning and corrosion after the fact. Maybe it broke off from water being trapped int eh motor over the winter?
I would guess you could pull it apart, build up the area by welding and then grind back to original profile to fix the problem.
saltfisher
06-25-2008, 02:27 PM
Not quit the same as beaching. Electrolysis works it's dark magic in mysterious ways. It only appears to be attacking one spot first. In actuality it is attacking the hull as a whole. The weakest points are what stands out first. The chains on the ground create what is called an earth ground. It also usually takes a whole in the carpet on the bunks as well where your hull is touching a fastener on the trailer. The whole hull is going through the electrolysis process. I'm no expert in metalurgy (sp?) but I have seen this happen with my own eyes. My buddies boat is gone from sitting like that for one winter season. You can now go to the transom, stearn, or whatever and put your finger right through is hull in many places. His boat is a total loss and only two years old! It's a scary thing!
Bob
Hey Saltfisher,
Would'nt beaching your boat at the lake create the same grounding as your safety chains touching the ground?
I really don't know. Understand, my knowledge of electricity is that you have to have the flashlight batteries pointing the right way and when you flick the wall switch the kitchen light is supposed to come on.:help: