Mercruiser question - fuel cooler leaking...

[abl1111]

I know this is a CSC site, but my experience dictates that this crew knows more than anyone about marine issues in general than most.

Just noticed that my fuel cooler is leaking where the aft water hose connects - BITCH!!! of a spot to work as it is right under my motor bed/stringer and beside the motor mount.

After removing the aft hose, I see the pinhole leak in the cooler's hose 'barb'...

Questions:

1 - I have already removed the black plastic box covering the water cooler/ fuel pump. I have removed two nuts that hold a retaining bracket and the unit in place. I have removed the aft ( leaking hose ) from the hose 'barb'. The hose clamps are all been in the wrong places making removal a f#$%^ bear ! How hard is it to continue from here and remove the rest of it ? And....

2- once removed, can this pinhole be welded and then epoxied over ? Or is it a must replace part ? Or...

3- Can I leave it all in place, sand and epoxy the pinhole while in place ? And, if so...

4- what kind of epoxy would I use here ? I use a lot of the WEST System epoxy, but I think that something else might be better suited... like Marine Tex...

What do you think ? Thank you.