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270 outdrive skeg

am_dew

am_dew

Advanced Contributor
The skeg on my 36 year old 270 outdrive has gotten ground down and chipped a little from scraping it on driveways over the years. it still protrudes lower than the prop however.

How important is the condition of the skeg? And how can it be repaired?
 
They would remove the damaged area, clean the area up, and would TIG weld the custom fit new piece in place.
This is done quite often!


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Thanks Rick. And one last question...what would the benefit be of getting it replaced? The boat seems to steer just fine now so I am guessing that it would have to be in pretty bad shape to warrant replacement.
 
am_dew said:
Thanks Rick. And one last question...what would the benefit be of getting it replaced? The boat seems to steer just fine now so I am guessing that it would have to be in pretty bad shape to warrant replacement.
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While the skeg does offer some propeller protection, more importantly it serves as a rudder. The more area, the more rudder affect!

Your call!


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I would presume I would need to remove the lower unit from the outdrive for this to be done, correct? Seems like a lot of work...if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :)
 
am_dew said:
I would presume I would need to remove the lower unit from the out drive for this to be done, correct?
Seems like a lot of work...if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :)
Click to expand...

You did post the questions re; how important a skeg is, and one re; repairing the skeg!


Removing a 270 lower unit is very easy.

Drain the gear oil into a clean container (it can be reused if it is clean).
Remove the 4 3/8" cap screws.
Remove the 3 5/16" cap screws.
The unit is now free to drop down and off.

When going back together, replace the 4 O-rings with new....... (1 large O-ring, 1 oil drain back tube O-ring, and 2 for the drain plug and dip stick)


One thing I will suggest...... after you drain the oil, and before removing the lower unit, I would suggest that you perform a pressure/vacuum leak-down test.
Quite often, the prop shaft seals and the eccentric piston seal will be in need of replacement.
 
RicardoMarine said:
You did post the questions re; how important a skeg is, and one re; repairing the skeg!
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Yes, I did however there is always the question of whether or not to repair something that seems to be working fine, is worth it or not. If you would have told me that my engine or outdrive is in danger of damage, then I would not hesitate to get it repaired. In this case, I do not think a repair is warranted.
 
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am_dew said:
Yes, I did however there is always the question of whether or not to repair something that seems to be working fine, is worth it or not. If you would have told me that my engine or out drive is in danger of damage, then I would not hesitate to get it repaired. In this case, I do not think a repair is warranted.
I am a member of several forums, and I have seen this many times whereby a member posts a question that he/she already knows the answer to.
If the answer is known..... then perhaps the thread was rather moot to begin with! :D



Yes, the drive is always raised when the boat is on the trailer unless it is sitting in my driveway and I need to lower it because I want to run the the engine.
When a drive is stored in the full up position, the drive shaft bellows are under un-neccsary stress. In other words, the lower side of the bellows is being extended for a period that is NOT healthy for it.

Always store your drive in the full down position, and you will extend the life of your bellows.
Click to expand...


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