What to do with Penta SX grease tube when installing Sealed Bearing

[Solarguy]

Just bought a ‘97 Four Winns with a VP Penta SX-M and am systematically going through everything. Next project will be gimbal bearing and bellows and possibly U-joints. The transom on this boat only gives about 1.25” to access the starboard zerk for gimbal greasing so I’m thinking that it probably wasn’t properly lubed over the years. I’m thinking of switching to the “new” sealed gimbal bearing when I go to do this job. My questions:
1) What should I do about that grease tube that I hear is a weak point? Considering pulling it off and thread in a new zerk just to seal it off - open to other ideas.
2) What kind of grease should I be using? Thanks - my first post so hope I’ve done this right.

 

[cptbill]

Just leave it there it won't bother anything

 

[Solarguy]

That crossed my mind. I was just concerned that if it did break off or dry rot etc then water could get in the below area and cause issues.

 

[cptbill]

Never seen one break, but I've had a lot that I had to break to get out

 

[Grub54891]

Most new gimble bearings are not greaseable. The kit comes with a plug, you take out the grease fitting and install the plug. I've never seen a tube corrode and fail but then again, I've only worked on freshwater boats.