Exhaust Plate Diaphram 2001 optimax

[Wild Bouy]

I got a 2001 200 hp Optimax engine, and this weekend I noticed water coming out of what looked like a freeze plug on the lower portion of the engine block. Now that I got on the computer and had a chance to look over the schematics, it looks like it might be the exhaust plate diaphragm cover plate. The water wouldn't come out at idle, but if I accelerated the throttle, the water would shoot straight out the center of the cover plate of the diaphragm like it was meant to, it appeared that the center of the plate was gone. Is the cover plate assembly like a freeze plug or do I need to get a bolt for the center of the cover plate, or is this a bigger problem then just changing out the diaphragm?

Engine info: 2001 200 HP merc Optimax, serial #OT306590 Model 1200D84YD

Thanks for any info you can help with.
Dirk

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Exhaust Plate Diaphram 2001 optimax

That is the poppet valve and no water is to exit it. That hole is a vent for diaphragm and if leaking is it bad...

 

[Wild Bouy]

Re: Exhaust Plate Diaphram 2001 optimax

Makes sense, Thank you