Water Jacket Gasket Replacement

[bbogue]

I have an 03 250HPDI on which one of the water jacket gaskets has been seeping for a long time. I re-torqued the bolts (the ones I could get to) some time ago and this helped but now I think it may be time to replace the gasket. This does not appear to be possible without removing the power head due to the inability to get to bolts below the top of the lower cowling. The engine has 1000 hours on it, mostly trouble free. I would appreciate any insights from anyone who has done this successfully.

Thanks.

Bill

[MILLSMAN]

I just tore apart my 200 HP motor to replace the steering arm. If your motor is used in freshwater it should not be too bad, but saltwater is a different story. The blots become "locked in" and the only way to turn them is to heat them up (a lot) and then go real easy. Now I know why the repair shops charge so much! I have done more difficult jobs, but can't remember when.