Can you identify this hole? 1968 Evinrude 65hp Sportfour

[Criv69]

Can anyone tell me what this hole circled in red is? When the gearcase is filled to the proper level with gear oil, it weeps out of this hole. There is a similar hole further up that seems to be plugged. Both holes seem to be factory so I'm unsure if this is a leftover from the casting and the plug is just no longer there or what the deal is. I do have a factory service manual but it makes no reference to these holes. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[racerone]

Those are drain holes put in at the factory.-----Your lower unit can be pressure tested to find gear oil leaks.---A good step to take on a 50 year old motor.

 

[Criv69]

Those are drain holes put in at the factory.-----Your lower unit can be pressure tested to find gear oil leaks.---A good step to take on a 50 year old motor.

Drain holes for what? No need for a pressure test, pretty obvious where oil is coming from, that hole pictured and the prop shaft seal is toast. I've already got new seals for everything on the gearcase but I cannot find anything about this hole. Seems unlikely it's intended to drain oil and allow water into the gear case

 

[jimmbo]

Water Drain. If oil is draining from it, is it gear oil, or unburnt oil from the exhaust? If gear oil, then the gear case is not properly sealed.
As racer said, a pressure/vacuum test in in order

That looks like the Heavy Duty gear case, not the standard pointy nose

 

[Criv69]

That looks like the Heavy Duty gear case, not the standard pointy nose

Correct.

I removed the impeller and I can now see where that hole leads to under the impeller. I've got all new seals for the unit as listed in the manuals.

Thanks for your help. If only I had opened my eyes a little more maybe I could have tracked it down.

 

[racerone]

Really-----These are water drain holes for cavities in the castings !!!!-----Put there to prevent freeze damage in areas with colder atmospheric conditions .-----I think you have a good handle on what to do.------ And no I would not need a manual to overhaul one of those " sportfour " motors !!