Also, the whole inner of the lower unit is almost solid rubber, except for a cross shaped channel that the driveshaft fits into. Can’t remember if it’s in this post or a video I watched, but one guy said there is a hole just below the carb adjustment where water spits out. I don’t have a hole there either. Is it possible that the water spits out w the exhaust under water?

Dad burn my butt. You guys are right, the slots do go through! I was ready to hacksaw the ports, but I tried a razor blade first, and it broke through. THE CARBON DEPOSITS WERE PLUGGED THICK. I FINISHED THE JOB WITH A DENTAL PICK AND GOT INSIDE AND SCRAPED A LITTLE MORE THAN THE SLOT. I am still wondering about the leak from the cover, and what I should seal it with. The solid rubber is not the water pump, as pictured. The rubber lines the inside of the lower unit and runs vertically, like I said. Not sure if I want to tear it down just to get a picture. Going to fire it up tomorrow to check the telltale