I'm still working through a 78 Rude 175 on a stand in the garage. The motor sat for 6 months in a garage and has an unknown service history. I will load test the motor in the near future. After the test, new water pump, t-stat, carb rebuild and decarb. <br /><br />Yesteday I put the muffs on and idled in the driveway (some small reving) for about a half hour. Ran great a little smokey and sure does like gas. I noticed water coming from two spots other than expected. One is a small hole in the very front of the lower unit just above the anti cav fin. This is not mentioned in the service manual but I do see a hole in the manual picture. Second, more concerning, water was bubbling (not lots of pressure) from around the shift rod opening on the top of the lower unit. Is this normal? Will a new water pump solve this issue or should I be looking for something else? 
<br /><br />Other info: Tell tale is working fine and the motor was warm to the touch after 30 minutes not hot in anyway (could leave my hand on heads for ever and not be uncomfortable at all)!
<br /><br />Other info: Tell tale is working fine and the motor was warm to the touch after 30 minutes not hot in anyway (could leave my hand on heads for ever and not be uncomfortable at all)!