Re: motore locked up
Welcome to iboats.com.
Since you have an '87, I'm assuming it is a Cobra outdrive - yes?
Did you recently have the outdrive serviced and/or have the gear lube replaced? The reason I ask is because I had my '88 Ebbtide do the same thing after I botched a lube fill and trashed the upper unit.
What happens when you try to start the engine? Did the starter engage, but not turn over the motor? (I also had the steering wheel turn on its own when attempting to start.)
The first thing to do is to pop the top cover (where the dipstick lives) on the upper unit and inspect. Is there fluid? How do the gears look - blueish is not good, physical damage is worse. Give it the nasal appraisal - does it smell burnt? If the gear lube cooked, it will smell horrible.
After inspecting the upper unit, remove the entire outdrive. Does the engine spin freely now? Can you turn the shaft that mates with the engine coupler by hand? It should move with some resistance.
Let us know how your diagnosis goes, and good luck.
