1993 Yamaha 6MLHR Has a ton of air coming out around the propeller.

[Minnow00]

My small 6hp Kicker motor has a lot of air coming out of the prop area when I set it down and run it. It doesn't clear up when it is run fast or slow. Seems like something is wrong. Seal? Not sure. Any help would be welcome. Motor runs great, even moves the boat but all that bubbles can't be right....What gives???

 

[robert graham]

Exhaust comes out of prop hub....sounds normal to me...

 

[Minnow00]

Thanks Robert. What I am seeing just seems excessive. I have had the motor for four years and haven't noticed this in the past. The motor may exhaust out near the prop but mine exhausts from just behind above the water line. I can easily see the fumes there. I'm wondering if something is bent and casing excessive cavitation??? If anything else seems different it seems like there may be a loss of thrust or seemingly less efficient thrust.