Cracked Midsection at lower unit

[Proline 17]

I have a 1982 Johnson J70ELCNB with a cracked mid section, at the front just above the lower unit. What happened, the old prop cracked at the thrust washer and had heavy vibration on the way in, 1 hour limp back to dock. Replaced the prop all seemed well, after approx 3hrs of use lower unit dropped while in gear. The 2 rear bolts attaching the lower unit must have backed out about a half inch during the original heavy vibration. The heads of these 2 bolts are now snapped off. The front 2 bolts are still in place this causing the lower unit to drop in the rear and push up on the front of the midsection. The front 3" of the midsection is now cracked all the way around.
After replacing all 4 bolts and attaching the lower unit to the mid section do you think the craked portion of the mid section can be welded?

[guitarzan413]

As long as the cracks are in the casing and not the mounts( where the bolts go through) any reputable welding shop should be able to patch it for you. I would replace the section if the cracks are through any of the mounts. It will only cause you problems later due to vibration present during engine operation.

[boats.net]

Yes that should be able to be welded.