Cover Holes

[Chebeague Guu]

New to I/O. 1996 Vintage Volvo DP-S on a 2460 Pursuit
Well maintained. During first trip with new to me boat we noticed one of these 2 holes in the top cover behind the dipstick was open.Touched the other one and it disintegrated.
I presume they are just covers that allow access to something else? No evidence of threads or any seal but I need to look closer in better light.
Also it seems to clunk hard into both forward and reverse.
Any comments from experiences?

 

[Scott Danforth]

the back is the cover for the shift mechanism, you are seeing the top screw of two on that. the 4 on top of the gear box are the screws on top of the gear box that hold the cover on.

being a new to you boat, you should have had the shift linkage cover off to pull the drive to inspect the bellows and u-joints as well as to change and check the oil before you put the boat in the water.

 

[Chebeague Guu]

New to I/O. 1996 Vintage Volvo DP-S on a 2460 Pursuit
Well maintained. During first trip with new to me boat we noticed one of these 2 holes in the top cover behind the dipstick was open.Touched the other one and it disintegrated.
I presume they are just covers that allow access to something else? No evidence of threads or any seal but I need to look closer in better light.
Also it seems to clunk hard into both forward and reverse.
Any comments from experiences?

the back is the cover for the shift mechanism, you are seeing the top screw of two on that. the 4 on top of the gear box are the screws on top of the gear box that hold the cover on.

being a new to you boat, you should have had the shift linkage cover off to pull the drive to inspect the bellows and u-joints as well as to change and check the oil before you put the boat in the water.

Thank you,
I did have a recent work order with oil,grease, inspection charges.
I did not see it personally but it is believable.