Can't pull old 3.9

Lootas1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 30, 2006
Messages
89
Was given a non-running old 3.9 (no ID found on it). It is not frozen but cannot pull the starter rope. Even with plug removed, it can be turned over by hand twisting the flywheel but is very stiff. Can't pull at all in neutral, forward or reverse most of the time. At other times, I will pull but pulls very slowly and like it has tremendous compression. Thoughts?
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Did someone fill up the powerhead with oil for storage? Oil doesn't compress.

Maybe drop the lower unit and make sure the issue isn't down low.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
47,296
there is the little lever that prevents starting in gear. that could be broken, or the roller that rides on teh gear shift flag could be missing
 

Lootas1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 30, 2006
Messages
89
Oh boy. The lower unit. It came with a cracked lower unit. I thought it probably had had water in it and froze and cracked. I had it welded without checking it out. Crap! Where's my brain? Did consider oil might have been poured into motor but, with plugs removed, oil should have run out, right? Maybe toss that cute little motor and see what damage I can do to others I have some hope of getting up and running.
 
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