9.9 lower unit question

[Island-life]

Hello

I'm currently working on a 1975 johnson 9.9 which blew a head gasket however I also noticed what looks like a disintegrated rubber seal stuck between the 6 holes just above the cavitation plate. So my first question is what exactly is the purpose of the 6 holes above the cavitation plate and how could a seal make its way there? I'm fairly new to working on outboards but did attempt to google and search iboats for an answer but couldn't come up with much Any help is greatly appreciated! I attached a photo of similar lower unit with the holes in question circled!

 

[brim_buster]

Water discharge ports

 

[Island-life]

Thanks brim for your reply!
I was under the impression these engines released water thru the prop and the small hole beside the prop. So it also exits those ports? Not too long ago I did the water pump so I didn't think that would be worth lookin at but maybe the water pump has something to do with the junk I found in the discharge ports :facepalm:

 

[flyingscott]

Exhaust relief/water exit holes. Was it an oring or a regular seal?

 

[Island-life]

Thanks for the reply,

It was almost reduced to sludge but from what I could tell it looked like it use to be an O ring. Any idea what o ring can make it's way to those ports?

 

[OptsyEagle]

It is part of your disintegrating upper thrust mounts. Does the powerhead weable wobble a bit on the midsection when you go to start it. Even if it doesn't, it is still rubber pieces from your upper thrust mounts.