Posted by chicaneries on 05/07/15 - 11:32 PM
#1
Just picked up a low hour 2003 Yamaha 200 HP OX66, the price was right, but the lower units keg has a good amount of damage, I have the lower unit from a 2005 Yamaha 200 HP HPDI, are these lower units interchangeable ? Also I have seen a couple of local welding shops advertising repair to lower unit skegs, how much damage can be repaired, and how well do the repairs hold up ? The damage to the lower unit is limited to the skeg, it does not extended into the gearcase, but runs almost the entire length of the skeg. Thanks in advance for your help.
Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 05/08/15 - 7:43 AM
#2
Hello chicaneries and regarding interchangability, seriously discuss this with a reputable (and if local) Yamaha service shop. Replacing a damaged skeg is fairly simple for a reputable shop as long as the welder knows his craft.
A few details to ponder in the event interchange is not possible.
1)Where will the actual "splice-in" of new skeg be?
2)If very close to gear case, heat transfer to bearing carrier and shaft seals is eminent...could be an issue.
3)Surface corrosion can present an issue when welding. Contamination of repair/weld area will occur, thorough surface prep/sand-blasting will be advisable.
4)Are you willing to have existing lower unit dissassembled/rebuilt to avoid possible heat transfer and surface prep issues? This may actually be a safe option since you have recently purchased this outboard. Once all repairs are completed you can apply a fresh coat of paint to a practically new lower unit.
5)Finally price comparison between a used (stripped out) compatible gear case still intact versus proposed repair.
Hope this helps...
Angel M.
Edited by dauntless-n-miami on 05/08/15 - 7:49 AM