Exhaust coming out of water intake

[Joey One]

I have a '96 6 HP Johnson Sailmaster, J6SLEDS. Exhaust bubbles are coming out
of what I think is a cooling water intake(the 1/2"x1/2" hole on the port side of the gearcase just above lower anticavitation plate).
I also have a '97 J6RLEU in very good condition, and no bubbles exit this cooling water intake.
Is tis a serious problem; and how do I fix it?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Exhaust coming out of water intake

That is an exhaust relief hole. The intake is on the leading edge of the exhaust outlet on the underside of the AV plate...
- Scott