access thermostat on 86 9.9 johnson

[tim thompson]

I removed bolt to latch but it is too long to come out and get out of the way of stat cover so should I remove power head to access water intake to see if grommet is smashed. If so what gasket/ kits do I need to put her back. I installed impeller kit then hooked up hose to copper intake to flush but just a dribble out of pee hole so here I am. Thanks for any help