Found a crack on the lower, a few questions
 

So, I found this yesterday on my 89 Bravo1

On my last outing before winter layup I bumped something during launch, lake was low. I inspecting but apparently didn't see this.

How bad is this?
Is it to late to notify insurance? will they even cover it?
If insurance wont do anything, best options are?
Have it welded?
Replace the lower? can the lower be separated without removing the entire drive?
I know its a terrible idea but I though about JB weld until it lets go, then replace the lower housing

http://i.imgur.com/Fg6poq1.jpg

Thanks for any guidance,

For what you can buy a 1" Propshaft b1 lower I would not bother to claim that on your insurance. I doubt it will last Long like that or at bare min not leak lube.

For under a grand delivered to your door, you can get a brand new sei bravo lower with a 3 year unconditional warranty...meaning if you hit a rock the warranty covers it... Swapping the lower is not difficult.

A used merc lower can be found around 500~750 with no warrenty.

i would go with the new sei lower if it is in the budget.

Correct advise given here... unfortunately, that case is garbage

Depending on you boat, goals and budget, you can also get an imco kit with a -2 lower case, bearings, cavitation plate and input shaft for under 2500, just have your lower guts put in it

It almost looks like the corrosion between the case and the nut caused it to crack very common. Also looks like it came from salt water by the pitting.

Thanks everyone, looking at a lower from SEI.

Looks like I have two options, 1 with low water pickup and without. Current drive does not have low water pickup.
Can I use the one with the low pickup? any pros or cons?

http://www.sterndrive.cc/Mercruiser-...ower-Only.html

Where d o you boat? how is your boat set up?? and why fo you think you need a low water pickup?

I boat in middle TN lakes.

I don't know that I need the low pick. What is the purpose of having the additional pickup?

Edit: found my answer: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/d...r-pick-up.html

High x dim etc, where the normal pickup would be sucking air. If you dont have one and dont need one you dont want one. It will suck more sand/silt etc and shorten impellor life.

Did freeze damage play a bit of a part in the crack ?

bearing carrier retaining nut is more of the current problem at this point. Then most likely in due time gear oil leaks at some point . Trying to make it last & for something on the real cheap go have it welded

Ayuh,.... That's what I see too, not impact damage,....

More like the drive was left Up, 'n the weep holes are plugged with crud, which held water in the exhaust cavity,....

I kinda doubt weldin' will work, as the case dimensions will have changed from the ice expansion,.....

Drive was down, it just now got down to below freezing here in TN.

So what does the prop and or its blades look like from Impact damage ?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, went with a new lower from SEI and a Simrek shower. Only thing I had to do was tap and plug the oil passage that doesn't exist on my upper.

Just about ready for the prop and water.

http://i.imgur.com/Qohp7hbl.jpg