Mercury 500 thunderbolt gear problem

[grew153owner]

I recently bought this motor and tried to start it today for the first time. I have it in neutral and the prop spins freely, but when I try to turn over the engine it is extremely difficult to turn over and the drive shaft is turning the prop. Is this normal? If the engine is in neutral shouldn't the drive shaft spin freely as well?

Does anyone know if this is normal, and if not what the problem could be. Thank you

confused rookie

 

[rabeck5792]

Re: Mercury 500 thunderbolt gear problem

the "prop shaft will turn sometimes with certain motors.