Drainage concern Merc 800 lower unit

[Moody Blue]

Have done recent routine maintenance on a 1971 vintage Merc 800 lower unit. In doing so I've noticed that water accumulates in a cavity forward of the shift shaft bushing assy. On newer motors, I've seen a small drain hole in this area to drain. Can't see one on this unit.

Is this a concern, especially when winter comes around? Where does the water go?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Drainage concern Merc 800 lower unit

Any takers on this one?

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Drainage concern Merc 800 lower unit

Are you sure there's not one there, just plugged up? I've seen 'em where there's so much silt/debris/salt built up in that cavity that you can't even tell where the drain hole is supposed to be!

Also have seen (as you may have too if you look at a lot of lower units on eBay) where water freeze has cracked-out that forward portion on one or both sides. It doesn't hold oil there but looks terrible.

If you can't find a hole anywhere, I suppose you could take a very small drill and drill your own. Just do it in a similar location as the other lower units you've seen with drain holes, and make sure you don't drill too low, into the oil-containing part of the lower unit! Or drill too far back!

That could be a bad thing I think!!!!!!!....ed

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Drainage concern Merc 800 lower unit

Nope, looked it over very closely and no drainage.

Motor is 38yrs old and has made it this far but I think I'll add a small drain for my own piece of mind.

Agreed that in this case, drilling and finding oil is a bad thing.