Bent Lower Unit

[Buccaneer]

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

Prepare to be boarded!

[thumper]

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.

[r-c]

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.

[wiscoboater]

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

[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

Prepare to be boarded!

[Buccaneer]

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!

Prepare to be boarded!

[thumper]

quote wannabe outboard guy:

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

I am in the Toronto ontario area( Bowmanville)

[thumper]

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

[Buccaneer]

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

Prepare to be boarded!

[johnyrude200]

All I have to say is ‘DAMN.’ Never seen that before without massive breakage!

[Author]

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