Hole in casting?

[Deba]

I replaced my upper unit recently with your SEI 106. The lower unit is in good shape. I separated the upper and lower to change the water pump. I noticed a hole in the front right of the "bulbous" part on the lower unit that holds the shaft for the propellor. This hole appears to let water into the lower unit. Is this a design feature, and if so what is it's purpose?

[admin]

This is actually a drain hole. Water is able to get into the center of the drive under normal use, and this hole allows the shift area to drain once the drive is taken out of the water.

Tech Support

[Deba]

Thank you.