Water pump replacement is wise. Did you try flushing the system out yet? I agree a 1/4 turn is probably the source of the leak. I'd pull the thermostats out and flush them while you've got it apart. Easy enough to do. Good luck w it. Thanks Rem. I did buy new washers for the gear oil fill and vent screws on the lower unit and some new gear oil but didn't change it yet because I need something to put it in once it's drained. Waiting for my laundry detergent bottle to run out so I can put it in there and change the oil on my truck at the same time , then drop it off to recycle. As for the water pump, I did back flush and it ran clean. I didn't remove the T-stat because it may have a gasket that I didn't buy and I did t want to have to go back to the shop just yet. It's working because my temp gauge went up to 160 when it overheated and then went back down. I think I'm ok with that. Yesterday it stayed at 120 for 20 minutes in the driveway running on the hose and pissing with good pressure. I'll run the canal near my house next weekend just to be sure B4 I go to Big O this summer. From my driveway to Lake Okeechobee's nearest ramp is about an hour drive. Not bad but I like everything to work when I get there!