Issue with drain hole in lower unit?

[ascus4]

Hi folks,

New here but a great forum.

Having read this forum, I believe this is a non-issue but I want to be sure.

I have an Evinrude 20HP outboard. I believe it's a 1989 model.
The model number is E20CRLEND.

There is a small hole, just larger than a round toothpick in the lower unit,
Just above the cavition plate, on the left hand side of the lower unit, about 2 inches from the front of the lower unit.

It seeps oil. I see here that with the holes toward the rear, or the prop, this is normal.

I wonder if this is a drain or vent hole, or if my lower unit is in trouble.

This weekend, I plan to drain and inspect the gear oil.

If oil looks good, I assume all is well. If not, I guess I'll have to take the thing apart.

Does this sound like reasonable thinking, a good plan of action?

Is this in fact a drain hole that is supposed to seep unburned oil?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Issue with drain hole in lower unit?

I think your motor is fine. The primary purpose of the hole is to drain water from the leg. If the oil coming out is black/gray/brown then I would not be concerned. When you drain your gear case the lube in it will hopefully not contain any water but if it did I would first replace the small gaskets on the drain/fill and vent pugs. Many times those gaskets are the reason for water intrusion. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[ascus4]

Re: Issue with drain hole in lower unit?

The oil is indeed black, with a thinner layer of liguid that ran out after it, either water or fuel. I didn't smell it at the time.

I'm used to the drain holes being toward the rear of the lower unit, not the front, so it threw me a bit.

Suppose it is water and it's been in there all winter.
Would my bearings be shot?

Anyway, I will drain, inspect, measure quantity of and replace the gear oil this weekend. When I pick up the gear oil, I'll get drain plug rings as well and just replace them.
Cheap insurance.

Anyway, thank you Rick and happy boating to you.

Any other input from people is welcome and I'll post back next week with the results.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Issue with drain hole in lower unit?

Reason for various drain holes....... In areas of the world where freezing temperatures takes place, if not for those drain holes, the lower unit would crack and require replacement.