Suzuki 9.9 (2023) Impeller Replacement Issue

[N2013]

I’m doing the impeller of my 9.9 but have ran into an issue. Do I need a type sealant/silicone when putting this water pump grommet back on-top of the housing? There was definitely something on it as well between the housing and impeller case. When everything is all put back together, I'm getting excess water coming out from the weeping hole/upper&lower units. Hard to tell if my tubes aren’t lining up either when I connect my upper & lower so that’s a possibility also. Looking for advice for what guys have applied to their 9.9 zuke.

 

[Ringo]

I've done this on my 2019 kicker a couple of times and never used a sealant. Just added a pic from my lower unit with the new impeller installed.
The excess water issue shouldn’t be from the pump housing. Just make sure the tubes are in line when you’re connecting the lower unit.