Hole in lower unit???

[Fjaq]

I am looking for possible answers to this:  I bought a new boat, motor, and trailer last week. I picked it up and brought it home on 1/24/25 and put the boat in my heated garage. On Saturday morning (1/25) I noticed a few drops of oil on my concrete floor below the motor. I cleaned it up, wiped down the lower unit and did not think much of it at the time figuring this was just some residue from the dealer prepping the motor.  On Sunday 1/26 while prepping to put a transducer on I noticed oil on the skag. This time I looked closer and found this hole. The hole is oblong and is 4mm x 5mm and is located 3.5” aft of the lower unit oil fill plug.  WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. Needless to say I am stressing out over this.  Thanks for input.

[Bozeman Bob]

Brand new , back to the dealer it goes . That's there problem at this point . 

[pete277]

I believe it is a weep hole to allow a small amount of gear oil to drip out if when the seals are starting to wear. Had this happen to me afew years ago.  Is the boat used ?

[sherman brown]

7 minutes ago, pete277 said:

I believe it is a weep hole to allow a small amount of gear oil to drip out if when the seals are starting to wear. Had this happen to me afew years ago.  Is the boat used ?

it doesn't look like it's been damaged but looks like it's supposed to be there for whatever reason. if it's a new boat I would contact the dealer about returning it if you can't find out if it's a problem or not. I would either contact the dealer if it was purchased from a dealer or what I would do first is contact the company and ask them about the hole.

 

the easiest way to get an answer is visit a dealer that sells the same motor and look at motors on other boats. you know where to look so it would only take a few seconds to check other motors.

[Charlie P]

The lower unit weep hole serves an essential purpose in a boat’s outboard motor or sterndrive system. It functions as a drainage outlet to allow water to exit the lower unit, preventing internal damage to the engine and gearbox.

 

The weep hole is strategically positioned at the bottom of the motor’s lower unit. It is designed to allow any accumulated water, such as condensation or small leaks, to drain out. This prevents water from accumulating inside the lower unit, which could lead to corrosion, lubrication issues, and damage to the internal components.

 

 

[Fjaq]

Well I certainly learned something today. That hole IS a weep hole and is supposed to be there.

i have owned 9 outboards in my lifetime and have never seen one like this.  Spoke with the mechanic at my dealer and he verified that all is good.

WHEW!