I have a 1990 4Runner with the 3VZE that was recently rebuilt. Everything worked very smoothly while it was out of the car, but now that it is in, I can't turn the engine over. I tried to rotate the crank with the bolt on the front, but it was held firm. As far as I can figure, the only things that connected to the engine that wasn't there when I set up the timing belt is the starter and the transmission (automatic) I remember it all rotating just fine when I put in the bolts for the torque converter, so I can only point a finger at the starter.

Did I put it in wrong and cause it to bind? When I try to start it, I hear a strong thud like it is throwing the bendix, but nothing else. The battery is taking a charge and seems to have the power, but is it also possible that my battery, despite being able to generate 12 volts, no longer can generate the amps to crank the starter?

 

Nevermind. I'm just too quick to worry. Once I jumpered it, it cranked nicely.