Hole in Gen II transom plate? should this be plugged?

[Howard Sterndrive]

1993 Alpha 1 Gen II... this hole about the 2 oclock position next to the driveshaft bellows bugs me. Is it normal?

zoomed in:

 

[Don S]

Re: Hole in Gen II transom plate? should this be plugged?

It must be plugged from the inside, or it would leak water.
In later units that is where the thruhull fitting for the gear lube monitor goes through. The early units didn't have the monitor, only a dipstick on the drive cap.
I would bet the area was cast solid and drilled and machined for later units.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Hole in Gen II transom plate? should this be plugged?

thanks again, Don
I was concerned looking at it that it might trap water and freeze/break, but it's 17 winters old, so obviously that's no issue.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Hole in Gen II transom plate? should this be plugged?

thanks again, Don
I was concerned looking at it that it might trap water and freeze/break, but it's 17 winters old, so obviously that's no issue.

Yep, it's plugged up with number 14 in this link.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show.../5.png&inbr=1017&bnbr=30&bdesc=GIMBAL+HOUSING