The only way to seal most anything is to remove it completely, clean the mating surface then apply your sealant then re-attach the piece. just going around the edges never works and looks sloppy.
i use one of these, it's great for working on outboards and smaller engines. I've used it on most everything that sparks. There are cheaper versions, and I don't know how good they are...
I'm thinking that if you have a good friend that is familiar with how a boat works, would be a good thing. They could help you out a bit along with us on here.
You stated you had a hard time with the float pin, I would hope you didn't force it and mess it up badly. Not giving you a hard time...
my 12' duck boat is from the late 70's. its still going strong. Riveted hulls hold up ok if you don't pile it up on the rocks. Heck, mine has bullet holes in it from someone being a jerk. A couple ss screws and away I go.
I think your cold sticky grease is making it hard to turn if the bearing was installed correctly. You can get some of the grease out from behind the bearing by wiping some out with a finger.
If it has an aft cabin, one of that size I don't like so much. We have a couple at the marina, hard to enter the boat and docking is a little tough single handed. When out on open water it's fine but not for me.
I might be able to measure one tomorrow at work, I’ll try to make time to check. Regardless, it’s not a mercruiser specific part. Most any parts store should be able to set you up. Just bring them the serial number on the carb body.
