Rebuilt Engine Is Hard to Turn Over

[transformer]

Just installed a rebuilt 911SC engine which was done according to Wayne's book.

I installed the original starter and tired to build up the oil pressure, but the starter barely turns the motor over. I tired a new starter and its turns over a little better. The battery is good and I have a charger on it.

I have replace the clutch, resurfaced the flywheel, and the engine turned over easily when I adjusted the valves.

I have checked the ground strap on the transmission and the starter connections.

Could someone Help.

[john walker's workshop]

how about the battery ground strap to the body, up front? they need to be clean as well as tight.

[al lkosmal]

Is it possible that your clutch is not adjusted properly and is partially engaged?

[ossiblue]

This is just a thought. Anyone who knows if this would cause a problem, please advise.

Have you tried removing the fuel pump relay, removing the plugs, and cranking the engine? Possibly the new components are at such close tolerances that the compression/friction is binding the engine. Maybe relieving the compression in the cylinders will allow the engine to turn freely enough to build pressure.

[Mitch Leland]

L.J. beat me to the punch. I was going to suggest putting a socket wrench on the alternator to be sure the engine was turning over with the proper force. Once you determine that the engine is not bound up or something is stuck, then move on to L.J.'s suggestion. This might be a good time to step back and take a deep breath to be sure you only have some tight tolerances or a bad ground and nothing more.