Ok, I have torn down my 83 7.5hp johnson for the third time now. First replaced the water tube grommet where it meets the head (fixed the water pumping problem)put back together with same exhaust gasket cause it looked fine and of course got an exhaust leak. Then took back apart to fix exhaust leak and fixed that with a little silicone and same gasket. Now the rubber grommet was messed up again and not getting a good seal cause it got a little mangled and a little overheating occured cause not enough water was going through the sys. Now its apart again and i'll be using a new exhaust gasket (cleaned old silicone off of surfaces) and will be putting on a new rubber grommet to get good water flow again. Clymers says you dont need to have the silicone there but I got an exhaust leak before, all be it using the old gasket. I want to try the motor out today when I fix it but if I use silicone it is suppose to dry for 12 hrs before use. With the new gasket should I really need the silicone for a good seal. Dont want another leak and tear down. Third time is to many.<br />Thanks
