6e9 Yamaha mariner issue

[Jja20171990]

Hey guys I’m new here, just purchased a used 40hp mariner engine 6e9

so i started it for the first time in a while and started no problem after a few mins I heard a clunk and it cut out the pull starter then refused to recoil? The flywheels turns freely though I’m hoping someone can help diagnose how I should move forward on this matter or if serious damage has been done?


Jamie

[Jja20171990]

Sorry my terminology may not be great I mean the pulley starter plate won’t engage but the plate beneath turns freely

[boscoe99]

Are you saying that after pull starting the motor that it ran for a few minutes with the pull cord out? It should have retracted immediately. Why did you run the motor with the pull cord not being retracted?

If that is the case, and the flywheel turns freely, my first guess would be that something is amiss within the pull cord starter mechanism.