Yep. Plugs were out and a big bar was used to pull it through.

John
On Dec 31, 2015 21:43, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> And with "all new parts" if that includes the pistons and cylinders there
> will be substantial friction there also. Yes a wrench will ne needed if all
> the valves are closed.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Stuart MacMillan
> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 7:53 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: New engine won't turn - 2.1 WBX
>
> Are the spark plugs out?  If they are installed there will be compression
> in one cylinder making the engine hard to turn without a bar and socket on
> the front pulley bolt. If the rockers aren't installed there will be
> compression or vacuum suction in all four cylinders, making turning
> extremely difficult. Try removing the plugs and see how it turns if you
> haven't.
>
> I assume your next step was to set the valves, but the engine wouldn't
> turn so you could do that (meaning that pushrods and rockers are
> installed).  If so, be sure the pushrods are centered in the lifters, and
> the adjusting studs are turned flush to the rocker.  Leave the plugs out
> until you are done.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of John Rodgers
> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 4:28 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: New engine won't turn - 2.1 WBX
>
> 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
> >>>
> >>
>