50 hp Johnson outboard making 'bad' noise

[bad luck babe]

I was driving my boat when I heard a noise that sounded like someone put gravel in a blender and turned it on - (sorry, I am not familiar with the mechanic terms), I turned off the motor and tried to restart it, then the same noise, then shut it off, turned the key again and nothing...same sound you would get if the battery were dead.
My husband came and looked at it (he knows vehicle engines inside out, but not familiar with the outboard boat motors) and this is what he said it was doing:
The Flywheel on the 50hp Johnson outboard motor locked up. Lower unit will turn with it in NEUTRAL, but flywheel will not turn - even with the plugs removed, it still will not turn (manually)
Any ideas out there? I am worried that it may be a serious thing

I appreciate any info. you may have.
Thank you

Linda

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 50 hp Johnson outboard making 'bad' noise

Either the powerhead or the lower unit has encountered problems.

Drop (remove) the lower unit so that you can discover which contains the problem. If the flywheel turns free with the lower unit removed, then obviously the lower unit is at fault, etc.

Serious?....... It doesn't sound good.

 

[bad luck babe]

Re: 50 hp Johnson outboard making 'bad' noise

Joe,

Thank you for the information - it is very much appreciated. That's what I was affraid of. Guess we are taking it to the local boat repair shop tomarrow.

Linda

 

[Scottycat]

Re: 50 hp Johnson outboard making 'bad' noise

Linda:

It's not going to be good.