Need help. Been perusing the forum for a while. I have a 2007 MC base. I recently had to replace the head and timing set. When I set the timing I could rotate the crank by hand and set the timing using the flywheel pin and cam lock. After all was assembled I attempted to start the car and the engine only cranked a half turn. Thought maybe the starter jammed so I removed it and tried to turn the crank by hand in both directions with no luck. I proceeded to undo everything Ive done. I removed the head again because I thought maybe I messed the timing up. With the head removed once again I tried to turn the crank again but it feels solid and wouldn’t budge. What could possibly be the problem? I don’t suspect the connecting rods. Would a seized oil pump prevent the rotation of the crank? TIA

 

There are few scenarios to consider:

1- did the car run prior to performing the job?
2- did you remove the locking tools completely?
3- with head removed, did you remove the timing chain out of the way? if not, did you make sure it is pulled all the way up?
4- you're not supposed to rotate CCW.
5- did you set up the locking tools properly?

 

Thanks for the reply.
1)Car was not running as the intake cam caps snapped and broke the cam sensor so engine shut down. That was the reason I removed head. While I was in there I noticed the timing chain guide was obliterated and some pieces fell down into the oil pump area which I fished out as best I could.
2) All tools locking the cam and flywheel were removed before attempted startup
3) Timing chain was completely removed before trying to turn crank by hand. Oil pump chain is still attached.

i may have tried to rotate the crank CCW but only far enough to locate the lock pin hole on flywheel.

 

try to disconnect the oil pump. you need to drop the oil pan and clean up the plastic and maybe metal. there might be some plastic inside the oil pump pickup screen.

with the head off, can you separately rotate the cams?

 

Cams can be rotated while the head is removed. I figure I’ll have to drop the pan and inspect the bottom for lodged pieces of the old timing guide.

 

Have you heard of there being an issue where the transmission would cause the crank not being able to rotate by hand? It is a manual transmission and it’s out of gear.

 

*UPDATE* Hi Just an update. Pulled the oil pan off and noticed the bolt for the oil sprocket had sheared off the pump but the crank still wouldn’t turn. After some coaxing it finally broke free and is spinning again. Here’s the question. There are some tight spots. Is this normal? I also noticed the rods have some side to side play when they are at the bottom of the stroke. Is this normal as well? Thanks for your help once again.

 

when i installed the pressure plate, i put it in reverse and locked it up lol

 

Did you remove the spark plugs? Might be the reason for the tight spots.

Some play is ok.

 

you put the pressure plate in backwards? I didn’t remove mine and it was fine before. But what do you think of my last update?

 

The whole head is still off. Just the block right now.

 

oh ok.. so, now it spins but there are areas of resistance, right? It might be due to lack of oil! for now, make sure everything spins freely. then reassemble the head and redo the timing with new set bolts and head gasket OR you could reuse what you have for testing purposes only. when reassembled, add oil and make sure you spin it until it comes to the top.