engine or outdrive leak

[richardk5457]

gentlemen, boat is not on hose. lower exhaust bellow has tear in it, upper bellow newly replaced also shift cable bellow replaced. i was informed by a merc tech that even though the lower exhaust bellow may be ruptured it should not allow for water to back into exhaust. said it acts as a silencer on noise and directs water to exit thru outdrive. that said, where is the water coming from? beats me fellas thanks richard