There is a spot on the recoil where it could leak. ---Easy fix for that gasket.----Explain where it is leaking
Well if it isn’t supposed to go around the internals I don’t want to allow water where it’s not supposed to be. The lower portion of the photos is where water was rising as the water in the barrel rose.There should be no visible water leaks under the cowing.----Since I can not see your motor you can post pictures.-----There is a rubber exhaust hose from block to the cowling.----Is it in place ?----Pictures or clear explanations can help you.-----Have about 10 of these 9.5 models so they are not a mystery to me.