OT: what would an engine that doesn't turn over consistently (by hand)

[ryan roopnarine]

indicate? what i mean by that is, when turning the motor with a wrench/ratchet, the motor will spin at one hardness for 180-270 degrees (iirc) and for 90-180 degrees it will turn with less resistance. this process alternates between harder and softer. neither amount of force is out of line for turning a motor over by hand. is this indicative or engine problems? thanks.

[Ross]

I think you are just feeling the resistance from compression in the cylinders. Take out the spark plugs and it should be consistant.

[e34.535i.sport]

Take out the spark plugs and it should be consistant.

+1 ... I'm sure mine was the same when I done the valve adjustment and forgot to take the spark plugs out, you probably have nothing to worry about.

[ArnZ!]

Yeah you'll feel resistance when turning a engine by hand if the spark plugs are still in.

[Mordan]

indicate? what i mean by that is, when turning the motor with a wrench/ratchet, the motor will spin at one hardness for 180-270 degrees (iirc) and for 90-180 degrees it will turn with less resistance. this process alternates between harder and softer. neither amount of force is out of line for turning a motor over by hand. is this indicative or engine problems? thanks.

i remember having the same worry when hand turning the M40. It is bloody hard at some point... never as difficult as when hand turning my M20.

never removed the plugs for hand turning.

[ryan roopnarine]

good to know, thanks.