Advice replacing exhaust cover plate gasket 115hp 1998 Mercury / Mariner

[fsufalcon]

Hello,
Looking for advice on a very small leak coming from exhaust cover plate. I get a few drops coming out of the exhaust cover plate which have gone undetected for awhile. It has caused some of the bolts to rust on the plate.

Is it possible to put silicone over the area with the small leak to seal it w/o removing the plate? If so what kind/brand would work?

I would like to replace the 2 gaskets but the bolts are so rusted I feel like they would just break off if I tried to remove them. I've also read people replacing the gaskets and they still have a leak. It is a 1998 115 Mariner 2+2 engine. #og6

 

[Faztbullet]

If its leaking externally it could be leaking internally. Warm the motor up and install impct socket(MM) on bolt and lightly wack with hammer. Should loosen em up.

 

[Sea Rider]

If managed to remove all bolts succesfully whithout breaking any of them, cleam both mating surfaces to immaculate cond and install both mentioned gaskets. Some gaskets needs to be sealed with proper sealer, check factory specs if in need. Screw bolts to specs with torque wrench if having one and re torque them back to specs after first 5 run hours and forget all about having new water leakages going on with new gaskets.

Take advantage to decarbon the whole exhaust chamber and clean all water passages if salt accumulations have been found there.

Happy Boating

 

[Faztbullet]

The OEM gaskets use no sealer.....