Saving Old Seagulls

Hi there, I am the proud new owner of a Forty Plus Long Shaft (FPL 58LF0). It has been stored in a dry climate for a "number of years" and something is seized - the flywheel will not turn at all and thus the propeller won't either, since it's direct drive. Before I mess anything up, what is the right place for me to start my investigation? I am ordering the manual momentarily, is there anything I can poke at until the manual arrives?

Thanks much,
Barrett

1st check the gearbox to see if there is any oil in it, If you can take the gearbox off and see if it turns over.

I was given an outboard that had not been started for years and it had been leaning against a wall in a shed with the carbie facing outwards. moisture had got in through the carbie which caused rust in the cylinder which caused it to seize.

Thanks Chris,

I checked the gearbox via the nylon fill/drain/level plug, and was pleased to see that it contains the appropriate coffee-coloured greasy goo. I also found that mice had nested in the magneto at some point. I couldn't easily remove the spark plug to inspect the cylinder, so it's having a dose of penetrating oil for the night.