Mercury 60 2008

by Michael
(Australia)

Hi, Looking for advice. Noticed a hole in the top of the left bottom end cover of my outboard which hadn't been machined, looked more like a burn through. Removed the cover and found a chunk of metal blown out of the engine case opposite the cover, see photos. Suspect exhaust gases exiting the hole and burnt through the cover.
Seeking advice on remedy, anyone else had this happen? Thanks, Mike