Mystery screw in powerhead

[glassparnut]

current project is a 1969 Evinrude sportster 25 restoration. Cleaning off the powerhead gasket, I find a small screw hidden under the gasket that is drilled into the cooling system! Not seeing this screw in the parts book, but although the screw itself looks pretty sketchy, the hole looks nicely machined, and its even countersunk! Someone told me there was a factory service bulletin out there about this, but Im not finding it through Google. Others have checked their motors and say theirs doesnt have it. Anyone on here have a clue what this was for? Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Just looked into my top secret parts bunker.---Four blocks like that but no screw in them.

 

[glassparnut]

Just looked into my top secret parts bunker.---Four blocks like that but no screw in them.

thanks for checkin. I am sure this is a replacement powerhead, because its primered, while the manifolds and accessories are blue, if that would even matter about the "mystery screw". I will tap the threads and install a proper screw with sealer or epoxy and just run it, as everything worked fine before. Just wondered....WHY this is even there..... Thanks again!

 

[F_R]

Don't know, but I'd say replacement powerhead is a clue. Perhaps some newer or commercial model used that as an exhaust cooling spray hole but plugged it for retrofit to your older model. No charge for the guess

 

[glassparnut]

Don't know, but I'd say replacement powerhead is a clue. Perhaps some newer or commercial model used that as an exhaust cooling spray hole but plugged it for retrofit to your older model. No charge for the guess

You may be right- someone else suggested that, but I couldnt understand why anyone would want water sprayed into the exhaust..... COOLING!! I suppose that is very possible! Are you sure I cant pay you some $$$$ for that awesome guess?

 

[F_R]

Pay Pal accepted. Naw, just joshin'