Re: Question For The OMC Experts

[Don]

OK, finally did find a late model QD midsection. Sorry that I didn’t have time to remove that plate (screws seized) or take pics, another early trip today.
In any event, turn your midsection upside down. You will see a triangular hole almost a foot up against aft side of the housing. Can be kind of tough to see, you may have to clean some of that black glop out of there. In any event, this is where the exhaust relieves into the cooling water outlet. Hopefully, you will be able to remove your SS screws holding that plate, I’m sure you will be able to find where the exhaust is allowed to bleed into the cooling drain on the exhaust housing. I looked up the cooling snout with a light, saw what looked like a slot, but couldn’t really tell. I’m guessing that plate is just there as part of the manufacturing process.
I won’t be home for three days, will try to take pictures then. But, it would seem like if that little triangular hole was carbon plugged, or the other hole into the cooling snout was plugged, that would create more exhaust back pressure inside the housing, forcing some exhaust to sneak out (heat up) through that sloppy shift lever bushing you mentioned.
I will also look for a QD powerhead to see if there is a bleed hole somewhere (in the #2 cooling jacket I’m guessing) that might spray a little water down to help cool the exhaust.
PS- My exhaust housing was pretty clean inside, not all wet goo like yours. But, I’m guessing this is due to you using a heavier break in mix and running the engine extensively in the tank. If our theory is correct, then I’m guessing the shift handle would cool down when underway at high speeds due to less exhaust back pressure.