Advise needed on next step and debugging after rebuild

[Andy Maurer]

I just got done installing a rebuilt 4.0 engine into my 98 w/AX-15. I filled it up w/break in oil, manually primed the oil pump, set the distributor timing and tried to start it. When I turned the key I could hear the oil pump start and the starter engage, but it would not turn the engine over. The starter acts like it does not have enough power to turn the engine over but I do hear it engaging. I removed the spark plugs and was able to turn the engine over manually with a socket & breaker bar which leads me to believe it is not seized. I took the starter to AutoZone & it tested fine, the jeep has a brand new set of battery cables from custombatterycables. I am really hoping I don't have to pull this engine out again but not sure on next steps. Any suggestions?

 

[pagrey]

Check the battery, turn the engine over by hand with the spark plugs installed, might do those first.

 

[Andy Maurer]

Update….
Battery was good, could turn over engine by hand with breaker bar, but really hard. I dropped the transmission and now I can turn it over by hand easily. I’m thinking I messed up something when installing the new clutch which caused it to be stuck in gear. Maybe tightened the pressure plate too much? Not sure but I’m going to keep poking around.

 

[mrblaine]

Update….
Battery was good, could turn over engine by hand with breaker bar, but really hard. I dropped the transmission and now I can turn it over by hand easily. I’m thinking I messed up something when installing the new clutch which caused it to be stuck in gear. Maybe tightened the pressure plate too much? Not sure but I’m going to keep poking around.

The pressure plate is not adjustable. If you got the trans installed, then there is only something inside the trans that would generally make the engine harder to turn over.

Do you know where neutral is on the trans and can you put it in neutral?

 

[Andy Maurer]

I was thinking maybe I over torqued the pressure plate bolts causing the clutch to not work correctly, but my knowledge on this is limited at best.

I believe it was in neutral before I dropped the trans. Full disclosure the Jeep was in 3ish feet of water/mud before it died so it’s entirely possible the trans is screwed. Is there an easy way to confirm?

 

[Jezza]

Did you only pull the trans, or did you remove the clutch and or flywheel as well? I have seen people use flywheel bolts that were too long and rubbing the back of the engine.

 

[Andy Maurer]

Only pulled the transmission & transfer case, flywheel and clutch are still attached to the block.