thanks FR , am really on fence here and respect your thoughts. my options as i see it are , gamble a bit , put back together and test this spring real well ( thought i would put in a tell tail also to help me test, and check the heads for heat as i go , this model dont spit much out when running from what i have heard. if good great, saved me alot of time and work, if not go the distance then tearing off powerhead , replace tubes, checkout thermostat and take off covers to inspect water jackets and deflectors. not really in a hurry cause project boat wont be readyy this season anyway. this outfit been sitting many years so could be some serious corrosion to deal with, altho the lower unit and prop bearing housing and water pump area did not show much corrosion. undecided and appreciate the input from all.
