Well hey, some of us took the effort to figure out for you that your block is NOT bent, so you can take that off the possibilities list. FYI

 

Still as I said earlier go back to where you started.Start by splitting the engine from the trans if it still wont turn retrace all work done on the engine and you will find the problem. Everyone can give you as much advice as you like but only you can go back and find the problem.Go back first before you end up distroying a pefectly good engine by trying to save yourself time.

 

Putting crank sprocket on backwards can make it very hard to turn over engine....

 

UPDATE: Well the problem is solved and the engine is turning smooth as butter now!

After listening to all the suggestions I started to listen and started treating it as a mechanical interference and not corrosion. Then the newest member with the least amount of posts gave me an idea (thanks Fraq!). I opened up the crank bolt and viola the crank spun easily by hand. I was extremely happy to say the least.

Sure enough, just as Fraq suggested, the washer between the oil pump o ring and crank pulley was missing (careless mistake on my part). It now all makes sense...the crank spun easily after I installed the rod bearings because I had not tightened the crank bolt yet. Later, while completing the motor I tightened the crank bolt and that caused it to lock it.

Glad this is all over...a BIG thanks to everyone who gave their suggestions.

Btw, I never did buy that bending block theory...I dismissed that as total BS from the get go.

 

 

Well, it just shows that those who know the most are not those who simply post the most. Some people only speak when they have something to say. Others, with nothing really worthwhile to contribute, just wail on and on... well, like a Banshee.

We need more Fraqs around here, IMHO. Raise the signal to noise ratio a bit...

 

Good news - hopefully you didn't put too many solvents into the case to wash away your assembly lube.