Exhaust Leak Under Cowling - 35hp 1983 Evinrude

[SaltInMyVeins]

I have an exhaust leak under the cowling of my 1983 Evinrude 35hp jon boat motor. It is fouling the intake air and causing rough running and low top end. I believe it is due to a faulty powerhead-to-midsection gasket. I have tightened the 6 nuts that appear to be clamping that joint together and it has improved only slightly. All symptoms disappear when the cowling is removed.

How hard is it to replace that gasket? (I have a chain hoist) Is it more than 6 nuts?

Any ideas are appreciated.
SaltInMyVeins

 

[SaltInMyVeins]

No Title

Pic of motor. She was rebuilt 2 years ago and runs great. Recently did a carb rebuild and sync+link (got some bad fuel). Starter motor needs new brushes (on the way). Needs 3 pulls when shes cold and only one pull when shes warm. She gets plenty of use fishing for tailing redfish and duck hunting.

 

[SaltInMyVeins]

No Title

Pic of motor. She was rebuilt as a 35hp 2 years ago and runs great. Recently did a carb rebuild and sync+link (got some bad fuel). Starter motor needs new brushes (on the way). Needs 3 pulls when shes cold and only one pull when shes warm. She gets plenty of use fishing for tailing redfish and duck hunting.