Flapper valve replacement wisdom needed /89 3,7 merc

[karayj]

Looking for some guidance on a exhaust flapper valve replacement . I'm having a very very difficult time sliding this boot off the elbow that will give me access to the flapper. Now part of me wanted to cut it with a razor blade and just replace it with a new boot that I have but I'm thinking I'm probably going to have just as much trouble putting the replacement boot back on.
My other option is to remove the tank /elbow that sits on top of the exhaust manifold but last time I did this antifreeze ended up on my pistons what is the proper way of draining that reservoir to ensure that after I remove the four bolts antifreeze will not leak into my exhaust manifold onto my pistons again.
What is the PROPER drainage technique/ I do see the small 1/4 hose on the front of the tank and the hose in the rear that cools the P/S fluid. I could remove those 2 hoses

 

[karayj]

WOW not one person with guidance ???? I guess I will drain the elbow best I can and remove the 2 bolts and pray nothing reaches the cylinders .....

 

[Bondo]

I'm having a very very difficult time sliding this boot off the elbow that will give me access to the flapper.

Ayuh,...... A Hose Pick, to loosen the rubber coupler, 'n Quicksilver Power Tune, to make the rubber Super Slippery,....

 

[karayj]

So I figured out how to change the flapper I made the mistake of taking the upper rubber boot that connects to the elbow didn't really have to do that also had to deal with the lower boot loosen up the clamps wiggle it to the left or right and basically once you get that food off you take a screwdriver and kinda pry it in one direction and then pull it out in the opposite direction and you're done period.
Now my understanding is you put the flapper metal side up depending on what kind of flapper you buy but it has to point in a direction where hypothetically if it was a PAC man or a duck bil in this direction <<<<<<< in putting it in NOT >>>>>>>> it would be closing its mouth downward towards the lower unit .
My question to you is when I first started up the boat it sounded totally different I was a bit worried in the beginning is that normal it seems a slightly louder

 

[poconojoe]

While waiting for the experts to chime in regarding the position of the exhaust shutter, can't you determine that by the direction of water flow? The flapper part should open (down) to let the hot water flow out of the engine, and close if there's a back flow of lake (or ocean) water toward the engine which can cause hydroloc. Or am I just not understanding your question?

 

[karayj]

all set figure it out you only need to remove the lower rubber boots and the whole boot needs to come off. Then grab a small flathead screw driver and pry one boot over and it will pop out.. Install was Metal side up . Very easy job. While I was there I replaced the elbow gasket 15.00