Thanks all, and thanks Yngmar - It's a boat - something is always broken somewheres! I am bloody glad I checked though, crikey. If anyone hasn't had theirs off, get it off - it took me ten minutes to drop the elbow off, and may have saved the engine.
So, new plan, whist epoxy would probably hold, given the rated max of 240 degrees C and a potential for greater temperatures, I've decided to resist the urge to epoxy it and take the rapid route and will drop it off this afternoon.
A local engineering firm with pressure test both the fresh water and raw water sides of the unit, and then, as they specialise in ally welding, try and weld up and polish up that flange. If it doesn't hold pressure... the quote for a new one in £2,500
... Christmas cancelled my friends!!