Water leak from upper gearcase

[1979 Quartermasters]

You guys have been very helpful in the past and I can't thank you enough!!!
1979 140 horse Mercruiser pre-alpha. I believe is the correct term.
The boat has been inside, warm, and not exposed to the cold all winter. I separated the upper and lower, changed the water pump put it all back together and installed it back on the boat. While trying to get it on the boat, water came out of a pinhole in the upper case as shown in the picture. I had not put water to the drive at this point. I thought this might just be a drain hole and didn't worry about it. I'm not sure why there would be water in it after sitting all winter and being apart. I'm wondering if this hole should be there and should there be water coming out of it. Thanks, Ken

P.S. I got it back together and running. Ran it through all the paces, on the muffs, and the gear oil was clean and didn't show any signs of water.

 

[Don S]

Re: Water leak from upper gearcase

There is a water passage behind it. Probably corroded through. There is not supposed to be a hole there.

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Water leak from upper gearcase

Thanks for your quick response. Should I do something about this?

 

[Don S]

Re: Water leak from upper gearcase

Should I do something about this?

Let me think about this for a minute, you have a hole in the cooling passage of your drive that puts cooling water to your motor. There is a hole because it's possibly corroded thru due to age and amount of use, which should NOT be there, and you want me to answer if you should do something about it.

Well, the answer is YES.

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Water leak from upper gearcase

Well I guess you must get your fair share of stupid questions. My bad!!! Do I need to replace that or is there a fix for this problem? Can I plug this hole? My bad if this is also a silly question. This boat has a few problems and I don't know if I want to spend another $1500.00. Have to know when to stop!!!!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Water leak from upper gearcase

Slather it with epoxy and call it good then. 'nutcase