1996 9.9 hp oil drain plug

[Robert.T2049]

I have a new to me 1996 9.9 hp (MLA4ST) 232cc Mercury outboard. Went to service it before this season. The manuals I can find all tell me there should be an oil drain plug of the starboard side of the motor about half way up and toward the forward edge. I have found the lower gear drain, but in searching, I cannot find a drain plug anywhere. Did this model require it to be pumped from the fill? Any help or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[racerone]

Is there a cosmetic cover hiding the drain plug ?------Have you removed any covers in your search ?

 

[quicktach]

It should be there. On the same side as the drain, and above it.

 

[Robert.T2049]

Thanks for the replies. Finally broke down and took it by the local Mercury dealer. Older gentleman there knew exactly what this motor was. He explained that in 1996 Tohatsu made the motor for a brief few months before Mercury returned the contract to Yamaha to build for them. This was a Tohatsu built motor. During that time they did not follow the plans from Mercury and therefore it does not match the printed service manuels. Instead they put a cosmetic plate on the aft surface of the middle leg. When the cosmetic cover is removed, it looks like an empty chamber. But if you get low enough to look up into the leg a pocket is present. At the top of the pocket, the drain plug is located. And sure enough, there it was.

Thank you again for your responses.