intermediate housing question

[vinnie1234]

I noticed when going over my boat, that there are two holes on the top of the intermediate housing. On the left side, the hole feeds the water inlet to the engine, and on the right, the hole was open and it seemed like there was some gear oil in there, however not much just a film.
It seemed to me that just like with the exhaust openings (there are two with only one in use for the 4 cylinder) this must be to accommodate a larger engine and should have a plug in it. So, I installed a plug.
I did this before even putting the boat in the water, however I figured it might be a good idea to ask and see if anyone knows the purpose of this opening. Perhaps something else should be done with it?

 

[southkogs]

Doesn't the Tru-Course steering gear come out on that side of the intermediate?

 

[vinnie1234]

There is a steering gear that you can see from outside the boat, but these holes are observed from inside the boat. The water hose comes straight up out of the housing and towards the thermostat housing on the starboard side, but there is an identical hole symmetrically placed on the port side.

 

[southkogs]

Weird part is it sounds like you're describing a pass-thru for an electric shift cable. But I'm not sure honestly.

 

[vinnie1234]

I don't think that is it. There is a pass thru for the mechanical **** cable located lower in the housing closer to the tilt motor. This sucker is right at the uppermost point of the intermediate housing. I used a bushing and rubber cap with a clamp to plug it off. The only other thought I had about it was that perhaps it was a breather tube, but it seems like this is not found on boats - understandably.
On a side note, I have troubles understanding how it is so easy for water to get into the gear cases, since the pressure should increase when the boat starts up. I suppose the pressure must force air out of the housing through the seals and then the pressure drop during slow down causes the water to come in?
No matter. It isn't hurting anything - that I know of....... I will let you know if my outdrive blows into 100 bits on the weekend.