Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

[rdraper2]

Hello all, new-jack to boats here. I've always wanted one and finally found one. It is an I/O 1973(ish) Starcraft 17'. There is a hole though that I need to know about in the lower part of the engine. It is a 302 in it (188 hp). As I am looking at the motor (toward the rear of the boat) there is a small hole down on the right side. When we have the motor running using muffs, water starts shooting out of the hole at a good rate (probably could fill 2 gallons in a minute).

Should this hole be open or plugged?
Is it a hole that is used to winterize the motor but needs plugged again?
Is it possibly some sort of relief when water cannot exit the the outboard?
Was it letting out water as a result of using the muffs but would not happen when in the water?

The hole is threaded I do believe, but I couldn't find a plug to put back into it.
I plan to launch the boat in about 2 weeks (5/5/12 currently) and plan to take a bolt with me in case I decide to plug it and see what happens. I purchased a bilge pump that should be able to drain all the water but I'd like to know about this hole is for piece of mind. It looks like it is just supposed to be that way without being plugged but I don't know.

Thanks all!
Ryan.

 

[rdraper2]

Re: Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

This is pic of the hole.

 

[Don S]

Re: Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

It's probably the remains of a block drain petcock used for draining the block. Once you get the inside piece out, you need to tap it out to 1/4 NPT pipe thread. DO NOT go to deep. Only enough to clean the threads, not make them deeper.

 

[rdraper2]

Re: Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

Okay I will try plugging it then and will update in the next week or two. Thanks!

 

[dan t.]

Re: Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

If you mean the rusty hole it is the location of the block drain, it should be plugged with a 1/4 npt plug, the drain on the other side of the block will be at the front of the block.

 

[rdraper2]

Re: Simple question about hole in motor of 73 Starcraft 302 motor

Just wanted to provide an update. It was a drain plug. I can laugh now because Ive become quite the mechanic over the summer. Nothing but problems but so much fun. Thanks!