stern drive-to-bell housing
 

Folks,
I could really use some advise on a situation I ran into. A continuity wire was broken between the gimbal and the bell housing. I tried to unscrew both to replace and both broke off. Gimbal is done. The bell housing has issues.

I was able to drill almost through the screw and preparerd to back it out when it fell apart. I used a shop vac to remove what was wedged in, but a few small chunks fell into a "cavity?" At least that is what it looks like.

My question is, whether this chunk fell into a working area, such as the shift linkage or the clutch assembly, or is it to remain in a cavity and I can get back to preparing for summer.

It is a Bravo 1 unit on a '98 Hammer. I've included a pic looking directly at the hole and one a little farther out to get a perspective.

thanx!!

here is one from farther back.