70hp water tube

[kh0432]

I have an 84 70hp model J70TLGRD. It was pumping a lot of water out of the cover between the power head and midsection and very little out of the pee hole so I decided to replace the water pump and water tube. No problem with replacing the pump but I can't pull the tube out. What's holding the tube in? Do you have to pull the midsection off to get it out? Now I have the bottom of the old tube messed up from pulling on it with pliers and can't reuse it. I also noticed that the gasket was missing between the exhaust housing and gear case but I don't see how that would effect the water pumping out of the cover. Thanks for any help. Keith. PS already replaced thermostat.

[boats.net]

You have to remove power head, water tube comes out from top.
There is no gasket between gearcase and mid housing.

[kh0432]

unbolted power head but it looks like you also have to take off the exhaust adapter and the mounting bracket. Is that correct? Thanks, Keith