Should there be any heat here?

[boltonranger]

1988 Stingray open bow, Merc Alpha One/3.7 litre

Took Pop (old salt - snailboater) out for a cruise on the boat 2 weeks ago.
He kept hanging over the transom muttering; but wouldn't say why.
I asked him later "What was up?" and he replied that when underway, 12-15 knots "he put his hand on the upper unit and noticed it was very warm too much to keep his hand on"
"Where?" I asked; He showed me he had placed the palm of his hand on the "square cap" with the 4 bolts in. He was talking about the upper cover; merc part 828692A1.
He said below (further down on the drive) was cool but that part was hot.
I've never noticed this before only because I'm driving the boat..

The drive is full of lube; it performs well and makes no unusual noises.

Is this an exhaust issue creating normal heat; or do some of you Admirals know if this is a sign of bad things to come?
Sure would appreciate your seasoned thoughts.
-br

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Should there be any heat here?

If it will not scald you by simply touching it, you are OK......
They do get pretty warm.....​

 

[QC]

Re: Should there be any heat here?

Yeah, that's the area that people place drive showers on to cool and that gets water deposits due to the heat . . .

 

[wire2]

Re: Should there be any heat here?

There's no exhaust in the upper outdrive, it's strictly the 90? gears and bearings in there transferring the power from engine to prop. The same thing happens in an electric motor/gear reducer in a factory.
It WILL get warm.