hole on my motor

[sergioy]

HELP!!!! I am a newby to boating, jus tbought my first boat about three weeks ago. My outboard is a 1963 75 hp johnson. When I bought the boat I was curious as to why there was a hole on the motor where I could see the inside and observe the shaft. Yesterday when I trailered the boat and got it out of the water. I went to tilt the motor up and noticed that all the pee hole in the lower unit were releasing what looked like water mixed with oil. Is this hole letting water in? the hole is about three inches above the where the eight bolts (or is it six) are located to drop the lower unit and on the same side as the drain holes for the lower unit are. The hole is smooth and not threaded and is about one half inch in diameter. What is it and what can I do t fix it?

 

[OBJ]

Re: hole on my motor

Hi water surge.<br /><br />Not sure what the hole was originally intended for but the parts book says that it was covered with a button plug. The little holes in the lower unit section are most likely cavity drain holes that drain parts of the lower unit where water may lay and possibly freeze in the winter. <br /><br />The oil residue (probably black in color) is from the exhaust and is a normal thing in these older motors. But, just to double check that the lower unit gear housing is ok, do this;<br /><br />Lower the motor into the upright position and let set for about 10 minutes. Loosen the drain plug just enough to see what comes out. A few drops of water is ok but if you get a bunch, you have a seal problem in the lower unit. Also notice the color of the lube. The color should be a light to dark amber depending on how long it's been in there. A milky to tan color is evidence of water in the oil. Black means it's been in there a while and needs changed out.<br /><br />Also remember, if your engine is electric shift, use only gear lube made for electric shifts like Premium C Lube from Bombarier. Mechanical shifts can use Lube like Hi-Vis.<br /><br />Hope we have helped.

 

[sergioy]

Re: hole on my motor

Thanks for the info OBJ. How do I know if it is an electric shift?

 

[sergioy]

Re: hole on my motor

where can I get one of these botton plugs? I spoke to one of my friends and he said that it probably wasn't needed. But I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[roscoe]

Re: hole on my motor

Plug is probably hard to find, but may be available. Slap a piece of waterproof tape on it if you like.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: hole on my motor

That hole is a main drain hole and is designed into those models. If it were not there, in the cold wheather areas of the world, the water would be trapped and would freeze resulting in cracked housings etc.