90 Force,Binding,won't start

[Squirt]

My Dad got a 1991 bayliner with a 90 Force 3 cylinder on it.Been running fine in the past,last time started was 3 months ago.He went to start it and it seems like its stuck in gear.With the plugs removed he can turm the crank 1/8 turn either way(motor not locked up) and the prop spins(selector in neutral)He inspected the cables and sees no binds or kinks.He said this motor sits on a "steering plate"type of mechanism.He suspects the problem may lye there,but you got to pull the motor.My thoughts are,It was working fine the last time,gotta be somthing simple I hope.If anyone has run into this problem before, your help may save a bunch of unnecessary work.Thanks,Squirt

 

[JB]

Re: 90 Force,Binding,won't start

Moving this to Outboard Engine Questions.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 90 Force,Binding,won't start

I am assuming from your description that the starter motor would not turn the engine over. When you moved the flywheel by hand did it seem like it was hitting something or just getting harder to turn? Is the starter motor bendix (the little gear on the starter motor that moves up to start and down to run (disengage)) stuck on the flywheel? Were there any strange events or noises last time it was running (be honest)?<br /><br />By the way it is hard on the water pump when you turn the engine opposite of the direction it runs in.

 

[Squirt]

Re: 90 Force,Binding,won't start

He said he started with the starter and bendix.He already removed them and tested.ok He said no weird noises either.Just getting ready for spring, doing all that he normally does.Im lost