Does My drive shaft have a grease zerk?

[deandec]

Mercruiser 5.7L carborated with Gen II Alpha One outdrive

Looking down the rear of the engine compartment I see the top of what looks and feels like the engine coupler.

Extending to the transom from the center of the "coupler" is a smooth shaft, which I took to be the sterndrive shaft.

But, I see a shiny clean zerk staring up at me on what I thought was the stern drive shaft.

1. Is it possible that there is a zerk in that location?

2. There is thick black grease laying on a "shelf" below this shaft. What is the likely origin of that grease?

Thanks for any ideas.
Dean

 

[Dshow]

Re: Does My drive shaft have a grease zerk?

Where the outdrive shaft splines interface with the couple there is a zerk fitting for greasing that connection. The zerk is in the engine compartment. On mine, it is a PITA to get to, so when I have my outdrive off, I grease the splines when I put it back together.