kinda scared to run it now. i hit solid wood at 6" from the side but, if it rots worse in the middle....

and yes, it has a cap but, its a plastic one. not aluminum. got a few cracks in it. also, one of the engine mounting bolts seems a little loose. plus, this machine went under water in katrina! i dont know. i got a bud that used to be a dam good boat mechanic before he had a stroke last year. he said he will come over and look. but, being paralized on the entire left side of his body.... i know he wants to feel like he can still do some things, and thats cool but, realy.....

thanks guys. i know what i gotta do. just dont know how. but, after katrina i adopted a new motto. fix it first, complain about it later.