Propeller moves when flywheel is manually turned, but shift lever is in neutral

[kragsac]

Hi
The outboard I am referring to has been on the boat undercover for 2 years.

In a recent check : The ignition key is turned on, starter spins, but does not engage flywheel.

Propeller moves when manually turning the flywheel - flywheel does not turn easily. The shifter is in neutral.

Upon examination of the cables in the casing, they are moving when the shifter is moved to drive.

Any thoughts? Is there something inside the housing by the cables that I may have tripped by accident to make it
think it should be in drive and not neutral.

Propeller does not move freely either.

thank you in advance.

KR

 

[steelespike]

Re: Propeller moves when flywheel is manually turned, but shift lever is in neutral

the forward and reverse gears are secured on the prop shaft free to spin independently from the shaft.They are aways driven by the drive shaft and spin with it There is a clutch dog between the gears splined to the prop shaft It slides back and forth in gageing the
the gears as needed.The gear oil is enough for the turning gears to turn the prop shaft as the drive shaft rotates.
The starter bendix gear probably just need some lube sprayed in the shaft it is spun by.
The prop should turn by hand in neutral it may be stiff with gear oil and if put away with water in the gear case there could be corrosion problems.