Topic: Bent Lower Unit – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 7 months ago by johnyrude200.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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April 14, 2015 at 12:12 am #1199
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
The lower unit on my 5hp Firestone is bent sideways about 1/2",
throwing the gear case / drive shaft alignment with the power head
way off. Anyone ever try to straighten one? If so, thoughts, tips,
and good wishes needed!
Using a two foot square, setting it on the top flange of the lower unit,
I was able to measure and determine the 1/2" bend, and about where.
The photo shows the bend area with the blue tape.
My thoughts on straightening it include using a torch, but I’m
fuzzy after that. Ideas?
Thanks, Buccaneer

Bent Lower Unit
http://www.grayhitandmiss.com/Outboards/dscn4904.jpg

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April 14, 2015 at 12:37 am #13901
thumper
Participant
You can easily replace it if you cant fix it. The lower ends are the same on many Scotts, Firestones as well as Corsairs. The bottom ends are easier to find than the power heads from what I hear.
April 14, 2015 at 3:43 am #13912
r-c
Participant
Lifetime Member
I’m not an expert on Scott/Firestone engines. But to move a die cast part like that will probably crack or break. An tower housing has thick and thin areas of the casting and even with heat a die cast is brittel. Even if you got it to move, it will never be perfectly straight and cause other problems down the line. I’d look for a junker to steal that part from.
April 14, 2015 at 10:37 am #13917
wiscoboater
Participant
Thumper, Where are you located? I have one of those.
April 14, 2015 at 1:24 pm #13935
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
R.C. – I’m amazed it could bend in the first place with no visible
dents, cracks, etc. I’ll keep my eye out for a different L.U. if
I can figure out what all years and models would be the same!
Thanks, Bucc

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April 14, 2015 at 7:57 pm #13953
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
Figured I wasn’t out much experimenting with the lower unit, trying
to straighten it. Put it in my vise, sandwiched between some 2x’s,
just above the bend. Stuck some scrap metal inside the bottom of
the lower unit, and slid a two foot pipe over the metal for leverage.
Fired up the cutting torch and heated all around the bend while
applying pressure on the pipe with my side. (Why weren’t we born
with three hands?) Took my time, piddled around for 15 minutes,
but think I have it real close to straight according to my square and
tape measure. Won’t know for sure until I get new bearings, etc.,
and re-install the drive shaft!

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April 15, 2015 at 3:33 am #13990
thumper
Participant
quote wannabe outboard guy:

Thumper, Where are you located? I have one of those.

I am in the Toronto ontario area( Bowmanville)
April 15, 2015 at 3:37 am #13991
thumper
Participant
quote Buccaneer:

R.C. – I’m amazed it could bend in the first place with no visible
dents, cracks, etc. I’ll keep my eye out for a different L.U. if
I can figure out what all years and models would be the same!
Thanks, Bucc

With the manual you have you should be able to tell as they were the same for many years and across models as well
April 15, 2015 at 12:18 pm #13997
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
Thumper, I concluded that the 1950 Scott 507 lower unit
gear case inners is the same as mine. No idea if the
rest of the engine is the same or not. Thanks again
for your help. Bucc

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April 16, 2015 at 5:17 am #14039
johnyrude200
Participant
All I have to say is ‘DAMN.’ Never seen that before without massive breakage!
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Bent Lower Unit

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