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I need to look a bit deeper into the impact a leak upward into the chamber above the water pump could have. I thought it was a throughway for water and exhaust. I find that I cannot prove that to myself with docs I have. Anyone out there know for certain? Thanks Tom
The drive shaft on that motor runs in an isolation tube, semi-sealing the drive shaft from exhaust crud and hot water. This is an important feature, helping to prevent rust and corrosion where the crankshaft seal and splines reside. I say semi-sealed because inevitable water pump leakage at the drive shaft would fill the isolation tube and make matters worse than the problems it prevents. However, OMC already saw that possibility and provided large drain holes and venting to drain off to the outside world, that water escaping from the water pump. So, in my opinion, the meager amount of extra leaking from that grooved shaft is not a problem. FWIW.