73 evinrude 25hp gearcase holes

[gordiegarland]

On the gearcase, near the OIL LEVEL check screw, there some small holes on either side.
Is this normal, are these water drain holes?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 73 evinrude 25hp gearcase holes

Yeah, those are normal, factory holes that allow water to drain to prevent it being trapped, freezing and damaging the gearcase.