[alphie]

Looking for tips, please... Engine hard to crank!

This is my first build. The engine is 3.0 case, 98 mm max mortiz pistons, dc20 cams, supertec racing springs, dual plug. deck height is 1mm, intake valve to piston clearance is 1.5mm.

When I first installed the engine I found the engine wouldn't turn over at all. The fan pulley would just slip. Its hard to get a wrench on the crank pulley nut, my 17mm wrench couldn't turn it either. Figuring I messed something up, I pulled the engine right away.

I found a couple things, the engine WOULD turn over, albeit not easily, with a proper socket on the pulley. I rechecked the valve adjustements and all seemed fine. I put the engine back in, pulled the plugs, boosted the battery and the engine would spin and build oil pressure.

With the plugs in, the engine cranks VERY slowly. Had the starter tested and even bought a new high torque starter plus a new battery. Checked a lot of electrical connections as per the pelican tech article and all seem okay. I even attached another battery to the starter directly, same result.

I think something isn't right with the engine. Without plugs, and turning by hand, the fan pulley nut will spin the engine easily for about 1/3 of a revolution on the pulley then it gets VERY hard to turn. I figure things to check are timing and valve adjustments. My question is what should I check first BEFORE I pull the engine from the car.

Help is greatly appreciated. I'm getting quite depressed as I started this project in April!