73 Johnson 50hp blowing exhaust mix in cowl

[GaJeff]

1975 Johnson 50hp 50ESL73R

Finished a power head gasket set and there was a rubber vacuum boot shoved in this hole... I removed it knowing something like this would probably happen... Here I am.

What is this hole for and why did the gasket not cover it? The gasket set is correct for the serial number. It only covered a small strip down the center of the hole.

Should I put a rubber cork in it or is there something supposed to go there? I searched the parts diagrams but it shows nothing for this spot.

 

[racerone]

Motor is a 73 model.------The 71 and 72 models were electric shift .---That hole is / was for the shift wires to go to the lower unit.

 

[GaJeff]

Pffffft.... So obvious when you put it like that

Thanks... Rubber cork it is