90 hp struggles to turn over

[maxwell.riddle]

I got a 1985 90 hp. I was scooting along the lake and I heard it rev up really high, then it died. I had nothing. It wouldn't even turn over. And my engine tilt wouldn't work either.

I took it home and put another battery in it. I got my tilt back and now it turns over. But struggles badly. Of course if I take the spark plugs out it turns over a little easier. I try to turn the fly wheel by hand and it seems tough to turn but I don't know how tough it's supposed to be. Can anybody help me? Thanks.

[maxwell.riddle]

Any body know at least if it is supposed to be difficult to turn the engine by the flywheel with the spark plugs out?

[99yam40]

should turn freely with plugs out

[maxwell.riddle]

should turn freely with plugs out

It takes some effort. Any idea what it could be?

[TownsendsFJR1300]

How do the spark plugs look? REALLY IMPORTANT! Any whitish tint?

Sounds like it seized up from lack of oil (oil pump failure?-is it still hooked up?) or running lean. Revving high at the last moment would indicate running very lean right before failure.

Just for S&G's, check your lower unit oil. Just trying to rule out a seized lower unit drive shaft stopping the engine itself from turning... Dropping the LU would be a bit of work but would rule it out and narrow it down to the engine itself, something to consider..(probably NOT the issue)

[99yam40]

It takes some effort. Any idea what it could be?

Like he said lower unit is a possibility , crank bearings,,or pistons are seizing in cylinders.
The high RPMs right before shutting down is what is puzzling, maybe sheared shaft in lower

[TownsendsFJR1300]

The engine tilt stop working also is very puzzling and maybe not related.

Good possibility the drive shaft shearing/failing, high RPM's momentarily before it jambed up...

Maxwell, your up!