Look for a loose torque converter bolt. One of the three between converter and flex plate or something fell in there. Also, if multiple tries to crank engine the cylinders could be locked up with gasoline. Remove the spark plugs and check.

Dennis

Sent from my Windows 10 phone

From: Tom Stone<mailto:tstone8359@AOL.COM>
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2018 6:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Engine Puzzlememt

Working on my son's '91 Westy Automatic. New engine from the guy that took
over Boston Bob's business. It was installed and running. The starter had
been installed with only the short bolt which had loosened. The starter
lost ground and would only work intermittently. Then the bolt ear broke. I
got a new starter and the long bolt and installed it with both bolts. Now
the engine will only rotate to a certain point and stop. I can manually
turn the engine backwards and it stops turning at just before the stop
point. I took the starter off and ran it. I took the belts off the P/S
pump, the alternator and the water pump (A/C not connected) and they all
turn freely. I took the valve covers off and without being able to rotate
the engine, visually checked for a valve stem in each keeper. I am at a
loss for what to look at next and what might have happened.

Any ideas?

Tom Stone, temporarily in FL where it is hot!