Post engine assembly free rotation verification

65TRAD270 said
I am at a point of a rebuild of a 273 ci engine and was wondering if there is some verification process for free rotation of engine components. After installing crank with new main bearings the crank turned freely by hand. Progressing with installation of connecting rods and pistons with new bearings and rings, components have tightened up considerably. Is there a torque test that can be performed to verify if too much drag has been induced through improper assembly? Using a torque wrench on the crank shaft I am exerting approx. 20/30 ft pounds of torque to initiate rotation.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

65TRAD270

That's a very good checking method.

What I learned was to check the torque after each piston is installed in the short block. And write that number down.

You'll see a pattern of the torque increases. If the torque shoots way up after one piston install or too low, you need to investigate. Maybe you forgot to torque something down or torqued too much, or... That way you can pinpoint it down immediately to the piston assy or journal you just messed with.

certain torque resistance