77 johnson 70hp starter won't retract, won't turn motor

[nomoreshore]

Newbie here. Prev owner said no power on water, took plugs out, turned motor over and water shot out of one plug hole. It has sat uncovered in weather for the last 2 yrs since. I'm trying to determine if the block is shot, or a head gasket issue. Figure I would start with a compression check. Can't even turn motor. Bendix is stuck in extended position, loosely engaged in flywheel. Just clicks trying to start. Any tricks to release Bendix ? possibly starter solenoid issue ? or does this point directly to pulling the starter out ?

 

[nomoreshore]

[No message]

 

[racerone]

If water was in this motor for 2 years the crankshaft bearings might be locked.------Will the flywheel turn by hand , yes or no ?

 

[oldboat1]

If the flywheel can't be rotated clockwise, remove the starter and plan on bench testing (likely disassembly, cleaning, inspection). I think you have a parts motor there, which isn't all bad if the price was right. Might be more to the prior owner's story.

 

[basbury]

No trying to change the subject but does your motor have tilt?

 

[flyingscott]

Take the starter off and get rid of the pos bendix on there. That style bendix is good for hanging up on the flywheel.

 

[racerone]

If the flywheel won't turn the starter pinion can not retract.

 

[F_R]

Pinions don't retract by themselves. It is kicked down by the flywheel when the motor starts running on it's own.

 

[nomoreshore]

Thanks all for your fast replies !

 

[nomoreshore]

so if something is stuck because of water, are there replacement kits available as opposed to changing the whole motor ?
(I understand about the pinion not going back in, attention now changing to the motor)

 

[nomoreshore]

sorry racerone, to answer your question, I cannot turn the flywheel at all.

 

[F_R]

Motor is junk. Cost to repair it is $$$$$$.

 

[racerone]

Perhaps remove the lower unit first.----It might be jammed.----Then remove the cylinder head to have a look inside.------A wee bit of effort on your part.----The education / learning will be priceless !

 

[oldboat1]

On second look, the flywheel seems to move just a smidge at the end of the clip. Think it's a good idea to pull the l.u. to see if that's the problem, as suggested, and I still would pull the starter and try to get it ready for prime time just in case (or as the first of a number of good donor parts).

 

[boobie]

Edit.....

 

[nomoreshore]

Thank you all ! I have nothing to lose by taking a look. I will take your advice and follow up afterwards. Thanks again for your time.

 

[nomoreshore]

I want to respect the forum and post subject here ... since my problem now is flywheel won't budge, should I start a different thread to continue ?

 

[oldboat1]

Drop the lower unit to see if that is the cause.

 

[boobie]

Yes, drop the lower unit !!!!

 

[nomoreshore]

lower unit dropped ! First .. ck'd fluid at top screw, nothing came out (manual indicated high level would be evidence of water or over filling), drained fluid .. no water . a deep emerald green. removed prop, no water came out, may have drained out if it was there to start with (?) .. but no evident damage. LU came out perfectly according to manual. still cannot turn flywheel. This would prove problem is in the motor somewhere. I received a suggestion to put pb blaster in the cylinders and let sit for a while .. good advice ? if not, would the next step be to visibly inspect the cylinders ? or ... ? Thanks Gents !