bent skegg

[tuskar]

my Mariner 8hp engine has a bent skegg approx 5 degree bend on the tip about 10 per cent of area of the skegg. Should I try to straighten it with heat , grind it off , or simply live with it and leave it so.
Thanks

[Peter_C]

I would try to straighten it. It doesn't have to be perfect as you are not racing. A very large adjustable wrench should do the trick. I wouldn't even try to apply heat, just go for bending it back.

Making a new skegg is pretty easy, you just cut off the old one, and weld a new piece on, then shape it. It does take a fair amount of tools and skills though.

[tuskar]

Thanks for tip buddy. Its just through experience alloy seems to snap off on return bend. Suppose could rebuild if that happens.

[beerbelly]

it probably will snap if you try to straighten it cold, tbh if its not affecting the way it steers ect id just leave it alone

[camelgas]

^^^ agreed. cold ali snaps much more readily.

[tuskar]

Its all about luck aint it
Took a chance and I tried the big wrench trick GENTLY .... and it worked .
Thanks to you all.