Any tricks for aligning water tubes to a new water pump?

1974 Johnson 85hp.
Installed a new water pump today and can't seem to get water tubes lined up to fit into pump. Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks
Chris

remove water pipe to see if it is straight,check upper seals condition, if straight reinstall pipe into upper seal and carefully slide l/u up also alining shift rod at same time easier with 2 people.Make sure exhaust housing is aligned and not damaged.

There are two (2) nylon guides, one of which is slightly shorter than the other to ease the tube installation into the water pump area. These normally set on top of the water pump in the recessed portion you'll see there. Use some kind of sealer to hold them in place while you're sliding that lower unit up.

Where are they?...Hey, glad you asked! Due to engine vibration etc those two guides will vibrate from when they once sat and have slid upwards on the water tubes. Get a strong flashlight and look closely up into that long exhaust housing... you'll see that a portion of the pipe looks a little thicker (Ah_Ha!). Use something with a hook/bend in it to reach up there to pull them down for reuse.

Let us know how it goes for you.

Ahhhh! I did see those up there. Thanks so much! What a relief.

Cpelcher said:

Ahhhh! I did see those up there. Thanks so much! What a relief.

Click to expand...

And I have a feeling you'll always remember it now.