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

[oldboat1]

good lower unit, sounds like.

Think I would be looking for a replacement powerhead -- but mess around with the current one in the meantime. Maybe pull off the head cover, check the bores for damage, maybe use a mix of ATF and acetone to soak (try to gently free it up). Pull off the exhaust cover to try to spot damage to the rings, if not obvious with the head cover removed. Likely to see rust.

 

[nomoreshore]

Thanks for your input, Fleet Admiral oldboat1, I will check and report back.