Question> Has anyone tried to replace the inlet cooling water tube that passes through the gimbal assembly to the transom plate. I think I have some corrosion where the tube passes through the transom plate that is collapsing the tube causing low flow and overheating. Can it be changed with the outdrive off, or do you have to disassemble the entire gimbal housing? I know I can get to the outlet end by removing the gooseneck hose barb on the inside transom plate.

Does the bell housing and bellows have to be removed?

Better late then never....just pull the out drive. The reason is because the type of fitting the end of the hose has.

Bilge or drive side?

If its the bilge side you've got to pull the engine & can get to get "fairly" easy. Crappy Merc design with the $1.99 plastic wedge. You can remove the hose enough to get a round wire wheel to clean the corrosion, treat the bare alum with whatever & 5200 the outside of the hose inserting the plastic wedge. Did this to a friends boat 5 years ago & still holding up.