Re: Kinked water hose
ya should probably use the correct mercruiser hose. the hose aint that expensive, but it sure is hard to get to for replacement.
ya should probably read the service manual for the exact R&R method. but basically. ya remove the drive, remove the shift cable on the inside shift plate, remove the driveshaft bellows on the fore side. remove or pull the bellhoseing off or out of the way. then you'll be able to kinda get your hand in there to put the new hose on the pipe going through the gimble houseing. i sliced the old hose off. then i used a heat gun and a cone and pliers and screwdrivers to help make the inside hose dia. of the new hose big enough to go all the way onto the nipple. if ya got any other items in need of repair in that area. this is the time to do it.. your gonna be right there...
fwiw. i think the service manual says to put the hose on the bellhousing first, then the gimble houseing. i found it easier to put the new hose on the gimble houseing side first. less chance of a new kink. i found this out the hard way. i R&Red that hose and it kinked the first time. 2nd time was much better. mostly i think because i stretched out the hose prior to install + putting it on the gimble houseing side first seems to leave no load (twist) on the hose leading towards a kink.