Where is the leak coming from? The prop shaft, the bearing carrier, or the bolts for the bearing carrier? That is a pretty bad leak if it is coming out that fast, obliviously hoping its something like a loose bolt on the bearing carrier or something easy.
I would recommend doing a reseal regardless which lower you use. Always good to know when the last time they were changed plus gives you a chance to inspect things closer.
My 2 cents for what its worth...
SHSU
Thanks! I didn't put much effort into sourcing the leak as the other lower is in much better shape. it looked like from the bearing carrier. Its all switched over now. I totally understand getting new seals either way. I will order those to ease my mind.
I look at that pic of the inside of your SS every time you have an update to your thread and see the chine reinforcement job that was done. I am seriously blown away by how stout and bulletproof that is. It's only one I've ever seen like it. I still have no idea why the HP rating is so low at 150 especially for a 22'r with that kind of reinforcement. I would think 10 more HP over an 18'r for a 22'r is very odd, especially this one!
On the motor, I'm not much help there as far as tech assistance since I'm 100% a Merc guy but I have had some time working on Johnson/Rudes in the past. I way more so enjoy working on the Mercs, they're a much better design for us do it yourself types with only a few specialized tools needed. Mainly the driveshaft seal being in the bottom half of the water pump housing and easily replaced as is the shift shaft seal replacement which needs a special socket to remove.
Smart move on your part using that gear old oil to test the shifting, gear oil is spendy.
Well hopefully the boat never breaks around the chine then! haha. thanks again for the confirmation on the SS. I am not sure why the HP rating is so low either. It only weighs around 1400lb so maybe 150hp would push it past the speed that the hull can take? I have seen people posting saying their 18' SS with a 70 or 90hp can go over 30mph so it seems reasonable?
And yeah the old Evinrudes are not the easiest to work on but they're not too bad either. Currently I own a 1978~ 40hp, 1975~ 20hp, 1970 115hp, and a 1972 125hp parts motor. I have done a bit of work on the first two so the big ones didn't scare me too much.
I still have to get the other console made but I have no idea when that will be, I am trying to get it onto the water soon, so I may run with no console for a little bit.
Sorry for the huge post, more updates to come!