TOPIC: '73 Evinrude 85hp V4 Water Pump

I bought the Chaparral last summer and ran it through the fall without really doing anything to the motor. It ran fine, pumped water and cooled fine as far as I could tell. Supposedly the PO had the motor "gone through a couple years ago" by the local marina when he pulled the boat out of storage. I'm assuming they put an impeller / water pump in then....but I really don't know. I'd like to put a new one in just to be safe. I'm a solid mechanic and do all my own vehicle work but I'm new to outboards.

I can buy the water pump kit with the housing for about $100 or without for about $70.

How likely is it that the housing needs replaced? Do they often get damaged?

I've watched videos on doing the work and it seems pretty straight forward. Anything I should watch out for? Any reason I shouldn't do this myself?

One of the videos mentioned "recommended glue" for installing the o-ring seal and the metal sleeve inside the housing. Any idea what the recommended glue is? I'm guessing standard RTV sealant, but...

VERY unlikely you would need the entire kit. Just get the impeller. They usually run about $35. +/- on marineengine.com. Get the 'peller and when you take it apart you can determine if you need anything else. It's really a straight forward job with either the electric shift or manual. Hardest part for me was always getting the water tubes lined up when putting it back together. Lots of help here if you need it.
Good Luck.

Awesome, good info. Marineengine lists the impeller for about $40. What about the case seal and the seals to the water tubes? are they typically reusable?

I would say yes. Those parts are reusable. Never had any problems with either since they are loose fitting to begin with.
Here's a link on this site where I did a complete replacement with pictures to maybe help you along. Probably some things are different but the general procedure is the same.
www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/j-e-g-o-s-place/water-impeller-posting#102059

thanks for the link, very helpful. Am I correct in assuming there are no wires on the manual selector units?

Right, no wires.
That motor was an electric shift. Your motor might have the shift lever disconnect in an area under the powerhead where you'll have to disconnect the shift rod...hard to get at and you can use a small flashlight to peek around under there.