Shift rod cover?

[RTZ]

I dropped the lower unit on my 88hp Evinrude 1987 model E88MSLCUS and found some lower unit gear oil seeping up out of the hole where the shift rod screws down into. When I took the shift rod cover off that entire cavity was full of lower unit gear oil. Is this normal?
Please advise on how to proceed next. Thank You.

 

[racerone]

Correct.----The cavity under that cover is full of oil.-----Put a new o-ring in that cover and install with a new gasket.-----Make sure you set the shift rod height when you install the gearcase.

 

[RTZ]

Thank you racerone. I just wasn't sure because it was very full and leaking over the top when I removed the cover.