Hi

I have over the last couple of years removed my engine from my 89 Firebird 350 to paint it and the engine bay. I have finally put it back together and it turned over lovely by hand to align the transmission up, however, now its back in the car I am really struggling to get it to start. the starter really struggles and when it does start dies immediately unless revved (then sounds okay). I only took the plenum and runners off, otherwise did not strip engine, even left dizzy in there.

I took valve covers off, drivebelt and spark plugs out and tried to turn engine by hand and it is impossible, even with a big ratchet.

The only thing I have noticed is that it blew two small rags out of the passenger side exhaust when first fired up. I had put rags in intakes of inlet manifold and exhaust outlets whilst engine was dormant. My dad fitted the runners back and assured me he removed the rags....

Any ideas? when the car does start and is revved around 1500rpm it sounds great but dies instantly when revs drop! Really getting stumped on this one and would really appreciate some thoughts!!!

Thanks!

Jay

How does it turn with the spark plugs out?

Did you try turning it with the valve covers off to see if the valves are opening and closing 100%

Only tried turning it by hand with spark plugs out and valve covers off but it wont budge and I'm pretty strong.

Sounds like you sucked in a rag. Time for a teardown

Without first pulling the plugs and checking with a borescope ?

Did you read his story?

Yep , sure did ....

And where the gent said rags shot out of the passenger's side , How do you know which side may or may not still have a rag in it ?

Does the fact that the rags came from the passenger side mean there are only rag(s) in that side , or does it mean that the rags on that side blew out so the binding rag is in the DRIVER'S side ?

A quick peek really wouldn't be TOO much of a stretch , now would it ?

Quick peak is a good idea, however.....
Have seen a few motors suck up a rag, trust me, prolly not going to tear down just one side. That crap gets everywhere and does it quick.
Its most likely going to come completely apart to remove it all.