Here is my problem: My new 351W is ready for the 1st startup to break in but starter slowly spins engine. The 4-speed toploader is installed with 11" clutch but no driveshaft or z-bar linkage connected. I can not,I repeat can not turn engine manually with a pull bar and socket at the balancer bolt. Before connecting tranny and clutch assembly I could spin engine manually with plugs installed;this was the case when bolting up flywheel. The sarter is a new high-torque mini starter capable of turning over a 12:5.1 comp. engine - in my case around 10:8.1. I have a yoke in end of tranny and with it in netural you can try to crank engine and the yoke will turn but you can hold yoke at this time and it want spin. The clutch fork has free movement so I know the release bearing is not in a bind.Has anyone run in to this problem before? I feel like everything that is happening centers around the clutch installation - if I had placed the clutch disc on backwards would this cause it or do I need to hook up the z-bar and put some pressure on the plate fingers.I need some help gearheads.

 

was the bellhousing dialed in for runout so that it's perfectly centered with the crank?

 

I would hook up the clutch linkage and try it with the pedel depressed. I put in a new clutch one time and something was hung up until I reved the engine once, was ok after that.

 

Well guys I found my problem and I hate to admit it but this might help someone in the future. The (6) pressure plate mounting bolts are too long! I pulled the starter and it was very noticeable why the engine was turning so slow. The end of the bolts were rubbing the mounting plate all the way around and starting to cut a groove. I would have never thought to check this but it seems like it's always the little things that grabs us by the a-- and creates problems.

 

You found the problem with no damage done, good going.