hi guys, newbie here. i just recently bought a boat and have been going over it. the boat was started a few times and ran but i always had the outdrive flush connection on it. but after reading some posts here im wondering if i may have screwed my u joints because im pretty sure the outdrive was up most of the time it was ran. things ive done to it include changing plugs engine oil outdrive oil and installed a new carb kit. the noise i was hearing was a clanging metal on metal type noise around the drive shaft, then i had it on the water i heard the noise then a few seconds later it was like the outdrive got bound up in some way and cocked the steering wheel and quit(i had the boat in neutral but it was like it was trying to go into gear, clanging). now when i try to start the engine it tries to turn over but the whole outdrive wants to turn, the steering wheel will turn as well when trying to start, i get about 1/4 crank then it locks up again. its bound up in some way but im not sure what could cause this? the boat is a 88 starline with a mercruiser inboard 3.0 alpha one. another note the prop will still turn freely by hand. any advice would be greatly appreciated.
