Looking for some advice on some damage to my 1979 Chrysler outboard 115HP?

Question

Ok, I am new to boating and think I may have a big problem! heres my situation...Was out boating and we hit a piece of large debris, we were going fairly fast 40-45 so there was damage done to my lower unit, although the boat ran perfectly after this accident...but when we got out of the water about an hour later, damage was that the lower fin under the prop was basically gone, the prop was chiped slightly, and this is my biggest concern, the top s***w for the lube was missing completely and the lube was draining out of there...it was milking in color...got home and there was no more leaking...my questions are can this be attempted to be fixed by myself in any way or is this a definite take it to shop problem....and if that is the case is there any estimate you can give me on cost, cuz I only paid $1000 for the boat, however I must say it runs very well and was well worth the money so I was considering redoing the interior and paint unless this damage is too severe and costly thanks

Answer 1

If you have damaged your gearcase to the point where lube is leaking out, you are probably screwed. If it can be repaired it will be with a special welder and only a shop should try a job like that. You said the s***w is missing, or is the case cracked? The lower skeg being damaged or even gone really is no big deal, and niether is the prop if it's only minor.  The case has to seal up though.

Answer 2

examine the entire lower unit make sure there are no cracks, the broken fin(skeg) doesn't really matter, if the prop moves fine and you hear no grinding ,(when turning by hand) you are okay, you  need to fix the s***w problem, you might need to retap it,  or use a heli-coil for the appropriate size, so you can put another s***w in it,  If all that is resolved, then  I would fill the unit back up with lower fluid, run it for a while, then drain the  fluid make sure it is not milky white(that means water is getting in and mixing with it), if thats the case then refill the unit, take for a test drive shifting into foward and reverse and use the boat at full throttle , slow etc. after this drain the fluid, make sure once again it is not white, and check for meatl shavings, if there are not any you are good, if there are then you have gear damage and i would buy a new lower unit.

you can probably do all that for $30, and some time

Answer 3

Unless you cracked the lower housing you can live without the skeg (fin on bottom) Prop can be repaired but now to the missing s***w plug.If it just jarred loose try an find a replacement then pull bottom plug and drain completely. Refill with 90wt gear lube and reinstall plugs. Go to lake and back boat in water and start it up. Run in gear for a few minutes at low speed to feel for any vibration. Pull boat home and pull bottom drain plug and see if it is milky. If not you MIGHT be ok. Keep a very close watch for water in lower oil.

That old motor will be hard to find parts for.

Answer 4

Sounds so messed up you may want to look for a used lower unit that is a match.   However:  The s***w may have fallen out if it was not tight.  If this thing isn't too bad get a new s***w and fill it back up with oil.  Give it a run and if the oil stays clean "non milky" it's good.   As for the fin.  If it is the one that is very low and after the propeller that is for keeping the boat going straight.  You can get a new one and replace it by taking out one s***w.  It's no big deal.