Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Elgin/West Bend lower unit questions › Re: Elgin/West Bend lower unit questions
Originally, that engine had a snap ring to hold the bearing/seal carrier in place. From the looks of the weld, it it appears that it suffered some freeze damage from water in the gear oil. When it freezes and expands, it pushes the carrier out and breaks off the end of the gearcase, or the part where the snap ring goes in. It looks like the snap ring is missing, the way the carrier is protruding out. Try to gently push or tap it back in until you see the snap ring groove showing . I’m not sure why the lower section is larger… maybe it’s been transplanted from a newer motor, maybe a Chrysler? You may be ahead to find another lower gearcase or a complete one. Check the complete lower unit over for freeze cracks…. my 7 1/2 Elgin is cracked in two places. BTW, I found an inexpensive impeller that is available from Mercury to fit my 7 1/2 Elgin. i can get that # if you need it, let me know. Hope this helps!