Johnson 70hp 1978 Exhaust manifold plate removal

Hi All

I have a 70hp 3 cylinder and the exhaust manifold plate gaskets have started leaking. In order to replace them I need to take the exhaust plate off but there are a couple of bolts I cannot get to as the lower motor cover is in the way. Any help would be appreciated!

 

take the powerhead off ?
If you remove the 4 bolts that hold the cowl up and remove the cover from under it the pan will drop down, saying that if you get that far you have removed the most difficult bolts in the powerhead off job.
Those exhaust plate gaskets are very important, I would be taking the powerhead off to ensure you get the plates and gaskets back on correctly.
If its all original from 78 you should replace the head gasket as well.