Mid-1970s 85 HP Johnson Remote Control Problem

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I’m helping a neighbor get an 85 HP Johnson (no model number found, but it matches 1976-1978 parts views, example model is model 85ETXLR77S).  He just bought it from his brother and it hasn’t been run for a few years (Yeah ran good last time out on a different boat!  How many times have I heard that?).   I’ve never worked on a model like this before.   The remote throttle/gearshift lever and the idle increase for starting lever barely move and will not move the motor’s linkage over the whole range without pushing the linkage by hand at the motor to help it along.  Both the idle and throttle levers have separate cables, and the non-electric shift is linked at the motor from the main throttle cable  motor linkage to a rod that goes to the gearcase vertically through the big steering pivot hinge.  This motor has factory tilt/trim.  The exploded views verify there is no electric shift.   Here is what I’m seeing:

1.  When I disconnect the remote cables at the motor, the remote levers move the cable ends freely, so cables and remote box are not binding up.
2. There is a big, round, wound spring on the linkage at the motor that tensions the remote idle lever movement – when I move that fast-idle lever linkage by hand with the remote cable disconnected, I can move it full range but the spring seems overly strong – should I spray some oil into the spring’s enclosure to get to move easier, or is there something else I should be looking for?
3. The throttle is linked to the ignition plate under the flywheel for mechanical spark advance by a small rod, and that plate turns really hard – had to initially pry it with a big screwdriver to get it to move at all – haven’t pulled the flywheel yet, but tried spraying WD-40 all around it – loosened up some (can push it with fingers now with difficulty, but still seems way too tight.  How do I loosen that up?
4. Even pushing linkage and spark advance by hand with the remote cable disconnected, I cannot get the main throttle linkage to turn the carb  linkage past about half way, although I can easily push the spring-loaded carb roller cam with my fingers to max throttle plate opening – Maybe could be due to shift linkage issue? – see #5 below. Note that two mechanical synchronization marks on the throttle linkage appear to be set so they line up with roller cam on one and an arrow on the other.
5. When throttle linkage is manually pushed to full reverse or try to push to full forward, the prop still spins freely as in neutral at all positions I can get the throttle to move to – does this thing have to be running to make it shift and then will the linkage go all the way?  The shift linkage I can see all moves OK up to where it goes vertically down through the steering hinge behind and below the carbs, where it moves some.   Haven’t tried to start it yet, but have turned the flywheel a bit by hand – turns OK.
6. Anything in all this throttle/shift mechanism and linkage that is know to be problematic?
7. All thoughts appreciated!  I used to have a 1965 V4-60 HP, but this is totally different.   I will try to post a couple photos
8. Thank You!

Dave

Link to exploded view of throttle/shift parts that are at lower right of the view:    https://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1977&hp=85&model=85TXLR77S&manufacturer=Johnson&section=CYLINER+%26amp%3B+CRANKCASE

 

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