1998 Johnson 70hp lower unit seems locking up

[Jrz3bilt]

My parents were out on the pontoon and said motor started jumping and hesitating. I tried to start and it seems like it’s still in gear. I unhooked linkage and it shifts hard. When in neutral position I spin prop with my hands and it has some resistance. When you try to start it seems like it’s in gear. Any thoughts?

 

[racerone]

Check the lower unit gear oil magnet on the drain plug.--Might be metal chunks on it.-----This sounds expensive.