'77 Merc 500 water jacket leak question

[hotrod53]

During my winterization, I noticed that there were water marks from #1 plug down onto #2 plug. I'm guessing the water jacket gasket is going bad and water is seeping out around the plug.

Question #1, is my assumption correct?
Question #2, can the water jacket cover gasket be removed without pulling the power head?

 

[oldman570]

Re: '77 Merc 500 water jacket leak question

Sure sounds like your guessing is correct. The jacket can be removed with the right tools and lots of patience. The bolts are often corroded and will need a gentle hand to get them lose and out. Lots of PB Blaster and heating the bolts helps with the stubborn ones.
JMO
Oldman570

 

[CharlieB]

Re: '77 Merc 500 water jacket leak question

A great amount of patience or you will learn how to remove broken bolts.