What is this hole in the lower unit

[Capt. Steelhead]

Hi, Tonight I'm in the process of preping for paint 1961 40 HP Lark 3 and found a hole being plugged by silicone is this someones attempt to seal a corrosion hole or is this supposed to be here it was drilled out with a 3/16" drill bit any help is much appreciated. Paul

 

[Vic.S]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

What is on the inside there.
If the hole goes through to the inside of the gear case ie the part that contains oil, then its got to be properly plugged so that it is watertight.

Otherwise it may be just a drain hole to allow water to drain from the leg. Can't explain why anyone would bung that with silicone though, or why it would be as large as 3/16

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

Yes, that is a drain hole. It connects to a vertical hole that originates just in front of the shifter rod seal, if this is mechanical shift. It gets plugged up with oily dirty residue and is difficult to clean but is essential.

 

[Capt. Steelhead]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

Okay that makes sense, it is a manual shift, I'll take some wire and compressed air and see if I can clear it out. I can't wait to see what new paint on her looks like too much humidity to shoot today. Here in N.W.Washington Thanks for your input, Paul

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

I taped a drill bit to a dowel and manually drilled out the debris. When you reach the bottom you can see the drill bit from the side hole.

 

[Capt. Steelhead]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

Yeah that's what I started doing first with 1/8 drill bit now up to 1/4" is that too big? it fit so far but down maybe 2" from were the hole starts do you rember what size it was? it"s looks like it"s a staight shot but I don't want to assume anything and end up screwing something up.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: What is this hole in the lower unit

I forget the size of the drill but I think it might be the same as the side hole. The inside one goes straight down.