If it isn't broke don't fix it!! I went 7 years on my I/O with out never doing!! Just flush after each use and be done, Only fix if broke is my motto! If you are slip kept then you ned to do every 2 years or so but a trailer queen is good for a long time!

If you have a total of 7 fasteners removed(one at teh front, two on the sides, two from under, 1 holding the tab, 1 hiding under the tab) you have them all. Try using a pry bar between the nuts on the sides, I've had to use a pry bar to split the halves. You're not going to damage anything prying aft of the waterpump

Just a quick note, if you decide to go the alum-a-weld route, MAKE SURE you use a stainless steel wire brush when you are doing the repair. (You can buy them cheap in Home Depot, Lowes, and Sears with no problems).

The aluminum surface oxidises (sp) almost instantly as it's exposed to oxygen, and the stainless brush is needed to keep the alum-a-weld from adhearing to the brush instead of the repair area. A regular steel brush will get clogged from the weld material and not be able to expose the aluminum surface for welding. V the crack on both sides with a grinder, then fill the V with the alum-a-weld. It's really not hard, and once you have the weld done you just grind/sand the welded area to look like the surrounding area, a little paint and you're as good as new and just as strong as the original.

A little hint, if you have some spare aluminum lying around, make a practice weld or two on the scrap to get your technique down before you do the actual repair. :beer:

I think I will go with the hydrofoil as it is probably something I am pretty sure I can do without totally screwing it up....plus it should resolve the cavitation issue I ran into a few times.

I'll do some more prying and see if the bottom will come off, otherwise will button it up. I don't want to miss prime striper fishing season like I did last year (replacing the oil pan).

thanks

rkc

You know... a little C4 between the halves should pop that sucker right off....:hide:

here is the one i used look around for a cheaper price?? i like cause it alum and strong since the other piece is broken

http://cobramarine.com/cobra_marine_...um_series.html