Lower unit hole!

[EJ3]

I have put this boat in the water once, but the motor wouldn't work correctly so all that trip did was prove the thing floats!!!

Here's the possible problem...

When I hook it up on the hose and run it everything seems fine. I have ran it on the hose upwards of ten consecutive minutes and no problems. But I see something that just doesn't seem right. There is a hole where the lower unit and midsection meet. Behind this hole is nothing, just the void of the midsection. But while on the hose AND for a minute or so after I shut off the motor and water, there is water draining out. While the boat is in the water this hole would be below the water line, barely. So I think it is obvious that water is allowed in there, or there wouldn't be a hole. But I am concerned that if too much water gets in the mid section. Is it possible to leak into the power head. I believe I have the water pump hooked up correctly since I have water exiting the motor where it should be from cooling the engine (prop and exhaust holes) and the motor doesn't overheat, at an idle atleast. Could someone tell me if this water draining from this hole is normal.

BTW, it is a 1977 55hp Johnson and the hole I speak of is on the forward most part of the motor closest to the transom.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Lower unit hole!

That should be a small square type hole and it is normal, it's purpose to drain water out. If not there, in areas where freezing weather exists, that housing would crank and split.

The exhaust housing which exists between the powerhead and the lower unit has a inner housing that the red hot exhaust passes thru. Water fills the area between that inner housing and the outer housing for cooling purposes. If there were no water in that area, the paint would burn off in a matter of minutes and inner damage would result.

 

[F_R]

Re: Lower unit hole!

There are all manner of drain holes on that motor. They serve two purposes, one is to drain the water out. Second is to worry people. Nah, just kidding. But don't worry. And DON'T plug the holes. The midsection normally has a lot of water in it while running....completely normal.

 

[EJ3]

Re: Lower unit hole!

Fantastic! Thanks guys.