Dunno, the shop just told me that fuel was leaking between the halves, and it would need to be resealed. They said they currently don’t have time for such repairs because the are behind due to the flooding this summer.
It is rare for the joint to leak.----Perhaps check the bolts on the bypass covers.-----6 bypass covers and 6 small bolts for each cover.-----Cheap gaskets and easy to do yourself.
my dad had the engine overhauled, we did the break in on it for him. Then he let it sit for 9 years. Just picked it up from the shop, the guy was quick to offer me 500 on trade for a used outboard. Kinda has me thinking. Pretty sure he seen all the new parts when they took the cowl off