59 35hp Johnson issue

[Brokeback Johnson]

Picked up an RDL-21 and hope to get it running. Issue is that the powerhead is free but flywheel can only be moved an inch either way.....enough to verify that both pistons are moving. I'm guessing that by the feel of things powerhead is free. Propshaft turns freely in nuetral. Question is where is the most likely spot that could be locking this up?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 59 35hp Johnson issue

Is the starter locked up? Pull the plugs out to (relieve compression) and squirt some penetrating oil into the cylinders. Drain the lower unit oil and replace it with new. Check the old oil for metal shavings.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 59 35hp Johnson issue

Could be minor, could be really bad.

Start by pulling the flywheel and removing the plugs. Will it now turn a full 360? If not I would then drop the gearcase, will it now fully rotate? If not time to upen up the powerhead to see what is going on.