SLE Magnum Gear Case Broke This Morning

[RMFTR]

I was running to the boat ramp (about 50 MPH) and when I eased off the throttle and I thought I heard a couple of pops. I didn't know what it was but it was idling in gear and things seemed fine. I gave it a little gas and no issues. As I was pulling up to the dock to let my partner out to get the truck, I put it reverse and it started to grind. It would still go forward so I was able to get it on the trailer. Once on the trailer, I manually turned the prop and heard lots of clanking inside the housing. I could actually push on the prop and the shaft would move in and out about 1/4 inch. I'm guessing the LU is toast. Reverse worked fine earlier this morning. Motor is a 250 HO.

[boogerdoc2]

What year motor? SLE from factory or dealer for trade in?

[ChampioNman]

Model and serial number PLEASE!

[Igore67]

Sorry to hear that Chad.

[RMFTR]

Thanks Jeff. Model#E250HGLSE. SN-05256928. The boat/motor is a 2009 model and was bought as a dealer demo/pro staff boat from Angler's Choice in March of this year. The lower unit was replaced by Angler's Choice just prior to my purchase. I took it to Airport Marine today for repair. 80 miles one way (closest BRP repair center to my house)/11 MPG/$4 gal gas/time off work. Thankfully it's in warranty. A little ticked, but it happens. Just wish it would have lasted more than 2.5 months into ownership. I hope it's not a sign of things to come. But hey, it is what it is. I'll get it fixed and move on.

[clm6741]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by RMFTR &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Thanks Jeff. Model#E250HGLSE. SN-05256928. The boat/motor is a 2009 model and was bought as a dealer demo/pro staff boat from Angler's Choice in March of this year. The lower unit was replaced by Angler's Choice just prior to my purchase. I took it to Airport Marine today for repair. 80 miles one way (closest BRP repair center to my house)/11 MPG/$4 gal gas/time off work. Thankfully it's in warranty. A little ticked, but it happens. Just wish it would have lasted more than 2.5 months into ownership. I hope it's not a sign of things to come. But hey, it is what it is. I'll get it fixed and move on.</td></tr></table>

I hope not either man.

[clm6741]

none of the gurus wanna comment??? Have you guys heard of many failures with the SLE???

[SEAHORSE]

the magnum gearcase is super strong with a bulletproof reputation for 10 years now.

Of course something can come apart inside, but most of the failures are due to impact damage that occured at a previous time. Usually you will find one or two teeth on forward gear look like they snapped off. the resulting metal particles damage the bearings and shafts from circulating around inside.

What happens is a good "hit" on a stump, rock, bottom, etc. stresses the teeth that were in contact at that moment. A small crack may develop and over time it will grow until it eventually snaps the gear tooth off, and then the damage occurs.

As with any gearcase, water leakage, improper assembly, shift linkage binding due to wrong adjustments, internal freeze damage, etc can cause failures which are not the gearcase's fault also.

[clm6741]

yeah it looks like it is a rugged gearcase, this is the first I have heard of one failing. Yes all cases have a chance to fail on every brand. crap happens, I am confident that the SLE will last better than the L2 in the long run.

We are still working on getting our top end back on the SLE. We have saw some improvement but not quite there yet.