1967 Evinrude 18hp hole in lower unit?

[mulv80]

I bought a 1967 Evinrude 18hp motor off of ebay yesterday. I also have a 1965 Evinrude 18hp. My problem is after I ran the motor in a barrel I noticed what appeared to be a carmel colored sludge coming out of a hole just below the cavitation plate. I initialy thought it was the lower unit gear lube, But when I checked it the gear lube looked fine. The hole is located between the fill and drain plugs toward the front of the foot and is smaller than the other holes. I mention I have a 1965 18hp because my other motor does not have this hole. Does anyone know what this hole is and if it should be there or should I plug it up? Thanks

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1967 Evinrude 18hp hole in lower unit?

I know some of those lower units have a little drain hole so that water can get completely out of the lower unit exhaust area when you take it out of the water. Often you see unburnt 2stroke oil dripping from them.<br /><br />If it looks like a drilled hole, this is what it is.<br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[mulv80]

Re: 1967 Evinrude 18hp hole in lower unit?

Paul, Thanks for the reply. The hole does look like its been drilled. I assume the motor had sat for a number of years because the guy I purchased it from wasnt even sure if it ran. I guess there is just alot of crud up in there thats finding its way out. Thanks again.