Cracked Lower Unit - 1998 120 A2

[Plimbob]

I was going to change the lower unit lube today and noticed this crack in the lower unit. It is in the forward part of the case toward the transom and in the upper part of the case.

I have no idea how this happened. I haven't hit anything and I just got done running it for 5 days on a fishing trip to MN.

Has anyone ever seen this type of crack on one of these?

Feedback appreciated.

 

[racerone]

Another picture from 5' away?

 

[Plimbob]

Another picture from 5' away?

I tried to upload one that showed more of the motor but its too large file size wise. I guess I'll need to try and edit it to decrease the pixel count. .

 

[tohatsu_guru]

I tried to upload one that showed more of the motor but its too large file size wise. I guess I'll need to try and edit it to decrease the pixel count. .

 

[tohatsu_guru]

That's a very unusual break. It's probably due to an impact over the last 30 years that finally gave way.

 

[Plimbob]

Here is a picture from out further showing a better view, I tried to mark it with the blue outlines (not a great effort..)
I bought this LU from a marina in Maine 4 years ago as a replacement for the original which failed. As result, I don't have any history other than the previous 4 years which I have never hit anything.

I kept the other lower unit housing, I think I may have to remove the guts of this one and install into the other housing. From what I hear it is difficult getting a new one? The engine is a 98 120A, runs well.