Cracked cowling

TinBoats.net

Help Support TinBoats.net:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Double22

New member
Joined
Mar 28, 2023
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
LOCATION
Minnetonka MN
Cowling 1.jpgCowling 2.jpgCowling 1.jpg


Hello- I am in the process of restoring the cowling on my 1994 Johnson 70. Any thoughts on how I can patch up this crack? I will be sanding, priming, and painting the entire cowling. Any tips on how to effectively fill this in so it doesn't show would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any responses!
 
I've been fixing parts like lately with a cheap FHT plastic welder and the stainless-steel screen mesh that comes with the kit.

For a cowl insert, you remove the insert. (usually screws from the inside, but sometimes they are plastic welded)

Then, from the BOTTOM you cut out your mesh screen to cover the damaged area. Lay the part on a towel, and lay the mesh over the cracked area. Then you use the welder to heat the mesh and melt the plastic below it. As it softens, you push the mesh down into the plastic, and keep working the area until the mesh is completely buried in the plastic, greatly strengthening it.

You could repeat from the top if you need a lot of strength, but not usually for an insert.

Then, take the welder iron, and groove out the cracks with the point and then smooth it out immediately after to weld the top of the cracks closed. You may need to use filler rod to build up the area a little

All of this takes maybe 15mins. If you did a good job, sand it smooth and paint. Other times, it's easier to sand and wipe a little body filler over it makes it all go away. Prime and paint as is usual.

If a top cowl is in really bad shape, I usually look on Craigslist or FB marketplace and find a new cowl. Very often, it's well worth it.
 
JB weld, a Dremel tool and some metal screen works great on the fiberglass parts.

You can do a lot without having to spend a fortune, if you put your mind to it.

But sometimes, there is a nice, clean hood on Craigslist for cheap, and that may be the best fix of all
 
I have good luck with west systems gflex on plastic water tanks, plastic and fiberglass cowls, and below water line fiberglass hull repairs, and even plastic gas tanks with below fuel line repairs.
 
Guys, there are a million of these cowlings and air inlet/lift handles out there. These handles are also made out of a plastic instead of the fiberglass the rest of the cowl is made of. Get another and go on with life!!
 

Latest posts

Top