1991 Johnson 40 hp Cracked Gear Housing

[thebubba]

My 1991 Johnson has a cracked gear housing. I am pretty good at fixing things, I am wondering how challenging it is to replace the housing on this unit. I found a used housing on ebay for $50, or would i be better off just replacing the entire lower unit for $500 used? Unfortunately this one is pretty rare because only the 40, 48 spl, and 50hp from 1989 to 1992 fit it. Thanks for your advice and help in advance.

 

[thebubba]

If anyone has a used one for sale, let me know

 

[joereeves]

Depending on the severity of the crack... aluminum is easily heli arced.

 

[thebubba]

Here is a picture, I am not sure this can be fixed.

 

[joereeves]

If you're speaking of that crack close to the prop... it's nowhere near the area where the gearlube would be. If it were my gearcase, I'd heli arc it .

Curious... How did you manage to obtain a crack in that area? First one I've seen and I've been around awhile.