I'm an Idiot and Forgot the Thrust Washer

[brad34]

Last year I took off the prop for a normal inspection and re-grease. Being an idiot, I forgot to reinstall the thrust washer. I used the boat 4 or 5 times before I found the washer on the ground and realized my mistake.

Long story short, the spinning prop rubbing against the lower unit housing caused some of the lower unit to erode. The photo below shows it.

Do I have any repair options other than replacing the lower unit? It was suggested on the E-tec forum that an aluminum welder could perhaps weld some material back on. I wouldn't even know where to go for that. Do I just run it as-is? Sometimes the hole shot and speed seem fine, other times it seems noticeably slower.

It's a 2008 50hp E-tec.

Thanks for any opinions.https://images.platforum.cloud/uploa...1f10a73ec6.jpg

[Hot Runr Guy]

It looks like the prop is damaged more than the lower unit. Have you tried a different prop to check the fit?

HRG

[brad34]

Originally Posted by Hot Runr Guy

It looks like the prop is damaged more than the lower unit. Have you tried a different prop to check the fit?



HRG

I have not tried that yet but it sure would be a relief if it was just the prop.

[grizzley]

It may be possible to have an aluminum ring machined and then welded on to the LU as a repair.
I had the entire leading edge on an aluminum jet foot replaced after a hit by making a straight cut across it and then having a piece of 3/8"X3/4" flat stock welded on. I then used a flapper disk to cut down the weld and shape the flat stock, after painting it you can't even tell that it was repaired and it works perfect.
I would try to find a welder with the capability to weld aluminum and see what he has to say. I would think you have 4 options, weld a ring on to bring it back to spec., try to build it up with weld, replace the housing, or run it as is. If nothing else is damaged in the LU, it may not be pretty but it may still be OK to run as is!
As HRG already posted, check the prop also and go from there.

Running a jet in skinny water involves not if I hit but when I hit, knowing that a $30 weld job can possibly fix a $400 jet foot is at least a little bit of comfort!

[Lmbkiller]

It's an etec, which isn't made now, unbolt it and let it sink to bottom, go buy a new motor, problem solved

[jjy]

If it still works, I would just run it.

[Bobby Winds]

Thank God that it's not a Merc Opti or the lower unit would probably split in two and left you stranded.

[REW]

Don't worry about it.

It doesn't hurt anything. If you like, you can paint the area with matching paint if it makes you feel better.

You will get a tiny loss of motor efficiency due to the turbulence caused by the spacing, but not enough to get excited about.

Since you have been running the motor that way for some time, it would likely be not enough for you to notice, so just move on.

Take care

[brad34]

I appreciate all the responses, guys. Makes me feel a little better. Live and learn...

[Mike D]

+1. I did this too 🌝. Long time ago on a Merc. Part was called bearing carrier.