Don wrote:

OK, so the gearcase is currently removed?  If not, I would remove the gearcase to ensure it is not the issue locking up the powerhead.  Perhaps something has come loose under the flywheel jamming up the powerhead.  Perhaps you can remove the little flywheel inspection cover and have a peek inside.  Make sure the rewind interlock is not causing an issue was well, perhaps the compression relief linkage is jammed up.

If none of these things apply, then you will probably need to pull the cylinder head to see what is going on.

lower unit is currently removed and so far, looks in good shape.

I removed the recoil starter last night, cleaned it up, and all looks good there (still off).

I don’t see anything else touching the flywheel that would interfere with it. Motor is in “start” position, and gear is neutral.

I’m going to let is soak for a week, and if nothing, then, I’m going to open up the PH and try the tap method with a wooden dowel.

I’m a little caution though, as so far, most of my problems have been very easy / obvious to overcome, so I hope I’m just not overlooking something simple.

Tubs wrote:

The oil dripping out is likely coming from the piston that is down. If it has passed to ports the oil is running out through them. If the motor has been in dry storage there is every chance the the motor is just stuck from dried up gas and oil. If one piston is all the way at the top, and the other is all the way to the bottom, the wooden dowel trick isn’t going to work. if the connecting rod is straight under the piston it cant move. Still worth a try though. You’d have a better chance if both were near center.

I read that today. Doesn’t seem like the dowel trick will work because the bottom spark plug hole is covered by the piston. Only a small amount goes in before it just overflows.

And it’s my top spark plug hole that’s draining out whatever I pour in it, which definitely does not help with the whole soaking it method.

If I was a betting man, I’d say my soak won’t work. I’m giving it a week.

Any other ideas if the dowel trick won’t work based on the pistons position?