'66 Evinrude 80hp

[earlbuddy]

I've attached a picture of the port side of my engine. There is a hole that I don't see in the service manual. You can see the drive shaft through it when the gear-case is installed. Is it suppose to be open or is there some kind of plug that should be in it?
Thanks

 

[fdrgator]

Absolutely do not plug it. It is a drain hole for the drive shaft tube. If not drained, the water can rise up to the powerhead and cause severe damage.