On Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:19:29 -0700 (PDT), Mike wrote:

On Sep 29, 9:07?pm, Eddie wrote:
Hi all. ?After finding out what I needed for my stern drives to run
when out of water, (on this group) I found another problem.
On the port stern drive just aft (about 3 inches) of the water inlet
port I discovered a small hole, about the size of a quarter.
Because it is aluminum will there be a problem sealing that hole?
Or should I leave it alone since it may work like an additional inlet
port?
Problem would be is that I'd have to figure out how to "ear muff" it.
Or is the drive gone and need to replace it?
And just what is that part of the drive called? ?I've looked online
for a nomenclature of the Merc I/O but came out with neg. results.
Does "skeg" ring a bell?
Thanks all
Eddie

A picture would be nice but I'm thinking that if it's slightly above
and behind the raw water intakes (where you put the flushing adapter)
going vertically from the bottom of the cavitation plate it's a recess
for a mounting bolt that holds your lower unit together. Does the
other drive have one, perhaps with a plastic plug/cover? Have a look
with a flashlight and sdsee if there isn't a S/S nut or bolt. It has
nothing to do with your raw water intakes however. You might be well
served to get a shop manual for your I/O's, check at your marina. The
more you know the less likely you are to be adrift somewhere!
Be safe!
Mike
Mike, it's a hole that's not supposed to be there. Either by erosion
or trauma. The starboard stern drive does not have any problems.
Thanks
Eddie