Should the lower unit seal water tight to the rest of the engine?

[astampfel]

I have a 1990 Johnson V4 115 Hp. When I was running on muffs the other day, I noticed that water was coming out from the gap where the lower unit bolts to the midsection (I don't think it's called the midsection, but the part between the lower unit and the engine). There isn't a gasket there, but should cooling water be coming out? I haven't studied the drawings, but how is the gear lubrication oil for the lower unit kept separate from the cooling water, or from any water for that matter when the engine is submerged?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Should the lower unit seal water tight to the rest of the engine?

The gear lubrication is contained in the water tight gear case. The lower unit is basically flooded with water but cannot get to the gear case. There is no seal between the lower unit and the exhaust housing. There is a seal at the top of the exhaust housing (directly under the power head itself) that prevents water from reaching the lower end of the crankshaft.