Hi,

This is along the same line as some other suggestions: How about pulling the valve covers, turning the engine by hand forward and backward, and observing which valves move. That should help to narrow any sticking valve. 

First I would make sure you can get TDC to rule out any cam and crank misalignment.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 31, 2015, at 4:27 PM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Will do all that. For some, there seems to be a little confusion.
> 
> This is a brand new overhaul. All new parts except for crank and case,
> which miked out well within spec. It has never even off the buildup bench.
> Still isn't. Pulling it thru by hand with the heads of, it turns fine.
> Free. Put the heads on fully torgued ready for installation in the van, it
> won't turn.
> 
> This has got to be a head problem and a valve problem at that. The AMC
> valves that came with it were replaced with TRW valves. Seats retouched for
> three faces, valves snd seats hand lapped together. There shouldn't be any
> thing wrong, but there is. Still hunting for a solution.
> 
> Will test Scott's way!
> 
> John
> On Dec 31, 2015 15:45, "SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott )" <
> scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> 
>> super easy to check for a valve stuck in a guide.
>> heck...
>> a simple test, head on the bench, tap each valve stem top with a hammer.
>> if it bounces back from spring operation ...valve is not stuck in guide.
>> 
>> on the engine ..use a prybar of some sort to make sure each valve moves
>> in its guide properly.
>> 
>> besides..
>> one *always*  *always* checks the smoothe operation and movement of ALL
>> components every step of the way, at every opportunity.
>> 
>> flywheel shims and bits there are good to consider of course.
>> Scott
>> 
>>> On 12/31/2015 6:41 AM, OlRivrRat wrote:
>>> 
>>>         Only Problem with Those Theories is that he said it Turns Fine
>>> Without the Heads on ~
>>> 
>>>                 John
>>> 
>>>         Did you try to see if it would Turn Backwards @ all With Heads
>>> on ~
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 31 Dec , 2015, at 6:31 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think Darrell is pointing you in the right direction.  There is the
>>>> thrust washer that can easily drop out of place when you install the
>>>> flywheel.  Or you miscalculated the thickness of the endplay shims as
>>>> Darrell suggested.  Either of those happen way more often than a messed
>>>> up
>>>> valve in a brand new AMC head (never).
>>>> 
>>>> Ken
>>>> 
>>>> On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 7:35 AM, Darrell Boehler <midwesty@gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> It is easy to add not enough  shim thickness on the crankshaft.
>>>>> Check the  crankshaft for end play. Loosen the Flywheel /torque
>>>>> converter plate
>>>>> then see if it turns then.  Been there done that.  When testing for
>>>>> crankshaft
>>>>> shim thickness it is easy to add not enough shims  because we don't
>>>>> tighten the
>>>>> the flywheel fully during testing / adjusting.
>>>>>     Best of luck with your projekt
>>>>> Midwesty
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 12/31/2015 4:30 AM, John Rodgers wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Engine turns beautifully by hand on the bench. Put the new AMC hesds on
>>>>>> with all parts assembled, torque them down,  and the beenengine won't
>>>>>> turn.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Removed the heads twice, still no joy. Sounds like a valve stuck in a
>>>>>> guide
>>>>>> to me.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Any body else ever had this problem or got an educated opinion?
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thanks.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> John
>>>> --
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Ken Wilford
>>>> John 3:16
>>>> www.vanagain.com
>>>