Lower Unit - Is this hole supposed to be here??!!

[Jimbo_305]

Hello all this is my first post, so thanks in advance for your insight.

I purchased a used 2000-2001 Mercury 5hp 2 stroke about 3 years ago and its been running pretty well. I am a relative newb, so i'm not sure if this little hole should bere here or not. I noticed this saturday; a steady stream of clear water draining out for 1 min or so. Is it supposed to be there? It looks like it shouldnt. Im going to change the gear oil to see if any water got into the lower unit, I hope not. I only paid $400 for it, so I dont want to invest much money to get it fixed, should I start looking for a replacement? Or can I just put some JB Weld and paint over and keep on scootin' around biscayne bay? I have attached a pic and a link to a video.

Thanks again!

Video:
Lower Unit Drain Hole or Bad News? - YouTube

 

[schematic]

Re: Lower Unit - Is this hole supposed to be here??!!

yes it should be there. keep it clear. its a drain

 

[Jimbo_305]

Re: Lower Unit - Is this hole supposed to be here??!!

yes it should be there. keep it clear. its a drain

Whew! That is good news. I was hoping it was a drain hole, but I couldnt find anything on google or forum boards.
Thanks again for the reply.

Jimbo305

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Lower Unit - Is this hole supposed to be here??!!

Its a drain so water dosnt sit in the LU and cause freeze damage, so its normal.