So how bad do you think it is?

[Schiada]

Got some used/up parts and the case,well is in bad shape. Do you think it can be repaired? The crack is below the threads. But holding the shape will take some doing.
Randy

50982

50983

Also have been working on the tower housing.

50984

50985

[Tim Kurcz]

If you're repairing these parts for a showpiece, OK. If you plan to run them, perhaps easy exhibition with no serious turning loads. More worried about the skeg breaking off when you need it. Also, you'll never keep the gearcase round, it will egg shape even if welded under water. Good luck!

Tim

[Schiada]

Oh, but with a copper insert ? .002 distortion. I have never seen so much porocity !
Thanks Tim. Love your work!

[Tim Kurcz]

Oh, but with a copper insert ? .002 distortion. I have never seen so much porocity !
Thanks Tim. Love your work!

I'm not worried about the shape, a copper plug or under water welding will work just fine. And who cares if the case leaks a little. The bigger issue is breakage after repair of a longitudinal crack. Normally when a skeg cracks or breaks off, you cut a large saw tooth pattern to increase weld distance and strength by changing the potential direction of failure. A straigt line repair is likely to shear off at the slightest provocation. Sadly The D Merc tower housings were known to break in that same area (too thin). Unless you weld an external patch it too will suffer a re-break under stress. Being you are investing so much time and love in the old beast, it would be shame to see it re-break in service, or worse, hurt you in the process.

Tim

[Schiada]

All good points Tim. Thanks

[Gene East]

All good points Tim. Thanks

I agree with Tim.

If you're just restoring for show, go for it! If you want to drive the boat with any measure of safety and reliability, try to find a welded steel tower.

There are several sources, but you may want to check with collectors simply by placing a WTB notice on this website.

Bear in mind, a good D-Looper will produce at least 3X the HP developed by a stock MK-55H.

There are some stock appearing housings hiding somewhere cast with shaved down cores (thicker wall).

Lots of luck finding one!

[hydroplay]

I bet a lot of those thicker driveshaft housings were peinted white and had the water line exiting out of the exhaust relief hole!

[Gene East]

You think??

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

Try finding one! If they are out there, they already are in collections that can't be touched