Expert: Jeff Grigg - 8/4/2006

Question
i have a 1999 mercury force been running good but other day heard knocking under cowling . i turned motor off and would not restart. found that fly wheel is locked up, oil and gas is mixed right do you know what it might be . the prop still turns.

Answer
Todd, it may be time for a new motor.
Remove the cowl, take off the spark plug wires and remove the spark plugs. Now try to move the flywheel by hand.
If there is any metal on the plugs the motor has detonated.
If the plugs look good and the flywheel doesn't move, drop the lower unit. Now try to move the flywheel. If it moves the problem is the lower unit. If it still doesn't move the problem is inside the powerhead.
Whether or not you can rebuild the powerhead would depend on the amount of damage to the motor.
Take the motor to any dealer that works with FORCE. Mercury dealers can get FORCE parts but they may not work on them. Make sure the shop is a good shop with technicians that know what they are doing.
Try to get at least two estimates.
You may end up being better off with a new or late model used motor.
Sorry for the problems you are having, if I can help further let me know.
Jeff