2011 Yamaha 2.5A 4 stroke question FOTO NOW ATTACHED

[Tandem]

I have just acquired this outboard and while there is a good water flow when it is running, there is also a continuous ‘sputtering’ from the slot seen in the attached foto just below the pozi screw. The manual just refers to an upper shaft gasket/cover...
Anyone advise on what this is and, more importantly, if there should be water coming out.
Thanks

 

[gordmac]

I guess if it doesn't overheat it may be ok. Worth asking on wsf or offshore outlaws fishing forums, they have more outboard experience.

 

[Boathook]

A lot of small outboards have a hole on the leg above the 'water line'. Helps with starting by reducing back pressure until there is forward motion to drag the fumes through the prop.
All my malta's have them and my Honda 30 as well.
On the malta removing the screw removes the plastic bit and it goes straight into the leg.